Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. However, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing 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 used and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.
The amount of air being supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
wood burners for sale of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will 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, particulates, and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the house and creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be british wood burning stoves not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with 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, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is 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 more pliable than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your particular unit.