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 health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variation is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.
The amount of air being delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high water content that could make it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but security precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using small wood burning heater to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going however should not be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
The ashes should be removed and store them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.