Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to function.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.
The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the energy output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
To maximize very small wood burning stove and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes 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 consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote also get 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 smog. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night, but precautions for safety must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wood that is wet 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 tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of 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 builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.