10 Things Everybody Hates About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our health and wellbeing. They need to be warm and clean in order to function.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.
The amount of air that is provided to a flame will also have a significant influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account 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 can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.
Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good starter material to get your fire up and running however should not be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to spend winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
small wood burner is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It can also be a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.