Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to function.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content, which can be difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. wood burning stoves uk is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we experience on clear days.
If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the logs as 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. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous 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 will keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires 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 clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.