Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to work.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount 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 ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
Best wood burning stoves is important to know that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however the wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as much.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs 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 organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted Best wood burning stoves , household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually checked for obstructions. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your particular unit.