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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to function effectively. Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations. In addition, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted. A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as much. A firewood pile that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance. Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when properly used can drastically reduce the emissions. Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home. These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote. Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going however should not be used for more than that. These woods with sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke. Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard! very small wood burner is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.
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