Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital part of our wellbeing and health. 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 low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is insufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down 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.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far 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 generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or in the house.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly 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 debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. woodburning fireplace can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can make up 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 and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.