Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean to be effective.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. wood burning stove in conservatory 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 burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used 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, that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or around the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious 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 that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. 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.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can 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 soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These softer woods have resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. 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 part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. 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 fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.