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 element of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can drastically reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by converting the wood to charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.
Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. In modern wood burning stove of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly 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 inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your fireplace.