Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 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 step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
The amount of air supplied to a fire will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as far.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and 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 poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If properly used, however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
wood burning stove in conservatory and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. 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. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or around the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for more than that. These woods with resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your unit.