Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with less than 20%.
The amount of air provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. cast iron wood burning stove , the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. 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 is burnt.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the logs into a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is important to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water could comprise up to 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 results is then condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. 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 two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.