Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
The amount of air delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire can not expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. 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. When wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Regularly cleaning Wood Burning Stoves is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. woodburning stoves produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can cling 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 combustible gasses.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.