Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical aspect of our health and wellbeing. However, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.
The quantity of air provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in 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 through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or in the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be cheap woodburner not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It can also be a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them around the yard!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your particular unit.