Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making 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 needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.
The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within 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. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. For optimal 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. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep Best wood burning stoves like furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. 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 failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the 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 hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your unit.