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. They should be hot and clean to work.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%.
The amount of air being delivered to a fire can also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high water content, which could make it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, safety precautions should be taken. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good starter material to get your fire going, but should not be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
try this out may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.