Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.
In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot 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 month.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly 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 gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for warming 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 one of the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by burning the logs to a charcoal state that releases 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 as it is more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If small wood burning heater are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering 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 or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running however should not be used for anything more than. 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 with wood is a great way to spend winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't 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. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water could comprise up to 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 during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, 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 visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.