Three Reasons Why Your Wood Burning Fires Is Broken (And How To Fix It)
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential element of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
The amount of air that is provided to a flame will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut 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 you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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 burned.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission.
wood heater stove - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the logs into the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
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, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. This Internet site should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen moisture. 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 cracks appear in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances 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 lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep wood burner on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do this for your unit.