15 Reasons Not To Ignore Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent.
The quantity of air being delivered to a fire can also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. wood burning fireplace can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
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 can be a good starting material to get your fire going but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. 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 two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your unit.