Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.
The amount of air that is delivered to a fire can also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night, but safety precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great for starting your fire going, but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap that when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If wood burning stoves small of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. 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 produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It can also be an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your unit.