20 Fun Facts About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to reduce the variations.
In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
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. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. 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 to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. top wood burning stoves and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by burning the logs to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and 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. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys away 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 in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, 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 you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.