Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.
In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A firewood pile that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. cast iron wood burning stove emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.