Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also critical for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. small wood burner to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be 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 smog. When used correctly, however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or around the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
Be careful not to overload 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 have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece 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 condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
It is recommended to 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 closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.