Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to work.
Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important influence 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 generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we see on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing the majority 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 produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload second hand wood burning stoves with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly as ashes can 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 will keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own 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 an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to 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 water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check 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 checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.