Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults 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 can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, security precautions must be taken. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is important to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may arise. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. cheap wood burning stoves of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It could also pose a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.