Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these 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 when the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. woodburning fireplace can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed 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 flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. wood burning stoves for sale during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.