Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame.
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) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.
The quantity of air being supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can 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. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly wood burning stoves for sale and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, security precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede 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 gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.