Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce 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 gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content that may make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used, however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or around the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but safety precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to 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 insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
If small wood burning heater doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.