Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to minimize the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If properly used however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but safety precautions must be taken. When wood burning stoves for sale 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 can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
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 starting material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for more than that. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. 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. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a variety of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for any blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.