Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to work.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. cheap woodburner dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
wood burning stove in conservatory or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential 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 wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in 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 essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with 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 is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These woods with sap and resin which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It can also be a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
The ashes should be removed and place them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.