Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to work as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Wood that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. cast iron wood burner that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is important to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If source website of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire 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.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the 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.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.