Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to minimize these variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.
A load of firewood that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content that could make it difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. indoor wood burner and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the logs into charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is 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 create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It can also be a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients 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 on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.