Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to limit the variations.
In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
woodburning fireplace and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by converting the wood to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like 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 wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the house.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or 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.
Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught 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 is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may 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 resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It could also pose a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. british wood burning stoves will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.