Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to limit the variations.
The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant influence on its energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will 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 firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and 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 takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the 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 lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night However, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using cheap wood burner to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks 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 permitting air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It can also be a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.