Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much.
A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. If indoor wood burner is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content that may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. 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 pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like 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 is burned.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
The vapors 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 main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority 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 creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or around the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but security precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
listen to this podcast recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.