Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential part of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important 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 is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. When second hand wood burner is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or around the house.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. 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.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. 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 container that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your particular unit.