Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean in order to function.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation 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 used and the conditions around it. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. indoor wood burner allow the fire to burn through all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.
A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For instance white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause 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. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms it releases water vapour that 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.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the logs into the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or at the house.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from 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 out in your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.