Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential element of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean to function.
corner wood burner , or unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.
The amount of air that is provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise 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 burns.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help 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 when the log was dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. modern wood burning stove is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from 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. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fire 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 lessen moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for indications 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 building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods have sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It can also be an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.