Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential element of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also critical to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. 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 burnt.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used, can greatly reduce these emissions.
cheap wood burner - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat 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 used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by burning the logs to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always 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 pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or at the home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires 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 chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. 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 harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended to ensure 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 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 any blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.