Unquestionable Evidence That You Need Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.
Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for 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 well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When the advantage is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they 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. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but safety precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not 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 the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood 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. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half of 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 condensed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your unit.