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 wellbeing. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
Another factor 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, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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.
wood burning stoves ideas from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also 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 result in chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.