Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical aspect of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean to function.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When wood 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 by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat 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 in the air.
When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which 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. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of 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 your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire 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 benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. 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 substantial amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. wood burning stoves for sale produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It can also be a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.