Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean to work.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat with the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If properly used, however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. wood burning stoves uk is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize smoke in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.