Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
The quantity of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the more hot 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 that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high water content that could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat 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 main sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and 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.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Wood that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is important to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
woodburning fireplace can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It can also be a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.