Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to limit the variations.
The quantity of air that is provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly 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 wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or around the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but safety precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and can 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 which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could arise. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a non-flammable 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 ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check wood burning stove in conservatory to learn how to do it for your particular unit.