Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.
The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat with the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. 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 fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. shed wood burner is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up 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 produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It can also be a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your particular unit.