Indisputable Proof Of The Need For Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but is also vital to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order to function 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 easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent.
The amount of air being delivered to a fire will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time 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 within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to 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 like benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can drastically reduce the emission.
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. It also wastes energy that could be used for warming your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the logs into a 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 to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. british wood burning stoves could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial 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 have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
The ashes should be removed and store them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. 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 two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.