Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. 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 slower when the air supply is limited.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the logs 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. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, Wood burner clearance sale and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.