Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot to function 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 a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
The amount of air delivered to a fire can also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can 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 using very small wood burning stove as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of 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 byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
very small wood burning stove is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.