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 well-being. However, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent.
The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have an important influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
conservatory wood burner that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
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 such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing 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 creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or in the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold however, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.