Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to function.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
The amount of air delivered to a fire will also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can drastically reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. 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 is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
click the next page is recommended to ensure 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 includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your unit.