A Step-By-Step Guide To Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants 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 environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. 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 will burn at a slower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When small wood burner is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft 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 cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain 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 improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
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 softer woods such as pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. corner wood burning stove resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.
You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your particular unit.