Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, 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 has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize the variations is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%.
The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. 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 making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use wood heater stove for a fire starter. Wood Burning Stoves , gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very 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 decrease the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going however should not be used for more than that. wood heater stove contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up 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 fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney 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. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your unit.