Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical element of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes 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 eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The amount of air delivered to a fire will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
corner wood burning stove can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or around the house.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.