The Most Convincing Proof That You Need Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean in order to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Fireplaces And Stoves in the wood must be hot enough to eliminate 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 first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as much.
A well-dried firewood load is also critical to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like 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 old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by burning the logs to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These softer woods have sap and resin which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the 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 a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.