Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and
Wood burning fires reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The amount of air supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning.
large wood burning stove that isn't dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods such as 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. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently.
best wood burning stove that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Make a fire by using
small wood burner pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process.