Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to limit these variations.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. 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 is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. 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 outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or around the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, safety precautions should be taken. If cheap wood burning stoves are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause 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 starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It can also be an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually checked for obstructions. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your particular unit.