Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much.
A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high water content that could make it difficult to burn. indoor wood burner is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by converting the logs into a charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than 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 also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of 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 whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize smoke in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire up and running, but should not be used for more than that. These soft woods contain resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.