Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to reduce the variations.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut Fireplaces & Stoves that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or at the home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate 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, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.
Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot 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 obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.