Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
wood burning fires is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The quantity of air delivered to a fire can also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly 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 burns.
large wood burning stove from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however modern combustion technology 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 up the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or at the home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the 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 or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks 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.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. 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 is 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, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.