Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential part of our health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean to be effective.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw 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 most important step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
cast iron wood burning stove to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can significantly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold however, safety precautions 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 could block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. wood burning stoves ideas that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and is hollow when it is tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great for starting your fire going but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.