Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to function.
Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to minimize these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. 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 essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned cheap wood burning stoves that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For instance white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood Burning Stoves smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise 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 smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If used properly however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour contemporary wood burners to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or at the house.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, precautions for safety should 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 could block the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is 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 over the summer months to lessen the moisture. wood burning stoves near me that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for more than that. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during 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 to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It can also be a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your unit.