Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean to work.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light 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
A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.
Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types 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 much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. cast iron wood burning stove comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and 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, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm 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 that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden 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 that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or in the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons 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 removal of ash.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. This is because up to half of 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 created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
You should remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. 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 cast iron wood burner have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your fireplace.