Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. conservatory wood burner is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.
The quantity of air being provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available 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 burn slower.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high water content that may make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide 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 create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors 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 wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or around the house.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that has been 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 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. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire going however should not be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. 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. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your particular unit.