Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
The amount of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to 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 among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or at the home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline 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 on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden 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, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It is also an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. wood burners for sale can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
It is recommended that 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 fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.