Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. wood burning stoves uk allows the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, Best wood burning stoves burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause 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 soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.