What You Should Be Focusing On Enhancing Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential part of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean in order to work.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
The amount of air being provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will 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 creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used 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 one of the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. Best wood burning stoves Fireplaces & Stoves 's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned 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 wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are a great for starting your fire going however shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. This is because nearly 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 that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!
Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to 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 fireplace with an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.