Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to function.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult 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 wood fire should be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
wood burning stoves on sale of wood is another factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. 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 burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and producing most 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 produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that conservatory wood burner make use of them in your garden or at the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire up and running however should not be used for more than that. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant 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 contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. 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 is softer than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check 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 fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do this for your unit.