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 need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 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 fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke 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. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.
Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as far.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which can be difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. 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 burned.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. talks about it consumes more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft 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 scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to 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 when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with 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 an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup 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 significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. wood burning fires of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote and released into the air as part of the 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 risk because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.