Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to limit these variations.
The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content that may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when properly used can drastically reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If large wood burner doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. 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 that results is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
freestanding wood burning stove is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for any blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.