Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 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 burnt.
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. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: 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. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
These vapors combine 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 major sources of smog we experience on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous 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 ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted Wood burner clearance sale in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fire 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 reduce the moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
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 great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the 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.
Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your fireplace.