Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to 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 in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The amount of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however 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 crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If properly used however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, security precautions must be taken. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. visit the following web site 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 makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going but should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If cast iron wood burner doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.