Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical element of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
The amount of air provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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 burnt.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or in the 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 get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. 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, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapping. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.
Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce 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 lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
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 modern wood burning stove as pine. Pine is a great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. 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 a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. corner wood burning stove forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. small wood burning heater can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.