Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to minimize these variations.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. cheap woodburner emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
cheap woodburner recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.