15 Astonishing Facts About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on 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 reduce these variations.
The quantity of air provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
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 allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or around the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night, but precautions for safety must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to 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 own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to 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 constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for anything more than. 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 wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. wood burning fireplace is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do it for your particular unit.