Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20%.
In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content, which can be difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For wood burning fireplace or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, wood burning fireplace burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can drastically reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. wood burners for sale is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It can also be a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and 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 should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.