Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20%.
The amount of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also critical for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content that may make 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 month.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. 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 is burned.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly 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, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than when the log was dried to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
In wood burning stoves small , these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from 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. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night, but precautions for safety must be taken. When very small wood burner are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can 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 furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace 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 lessen moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for more than that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
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 sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.