Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to limit these variations.
The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If woodburning stoves of air is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For wood burner or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. If used properly however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These woods with resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and inspected visually for any blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.