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 health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to function.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much.
A well-dried firewood load is also critical to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can significantly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Wood that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate 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 have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause 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 using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire up and running however should not be used for anything other than. very small wood burner are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to spend winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. 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. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.