Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.
The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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 burnt.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used, can greatly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using second hand wood burning stoves , sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but security precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. 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 fire to fully burn is caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It can also be an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.