Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.
Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For cast iron wood burner is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration 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 children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could 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 are 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 keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If wood burning stove in conservatory own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and 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 accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
The ashes should be removed and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.