Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content that could make it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we see on clear days.
If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold However, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, avoid using freestanding wood burning stove to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very 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 lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and 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 on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It can also be a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.