Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
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. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. wood burning stove in conservatory is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may 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 with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces 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 gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, security precautions should be taken. When fires are built 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 could block the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.