Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to limit these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content that could make it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in 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 consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry 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 form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use cheap wood burning stoves made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or around the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could develop. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed 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 checked visually for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.