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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce the variation is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent. The amount of air supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far. A firewood load that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high water content that may make it difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce these emissions. Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home. The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your 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 constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Recommended Studying can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire going but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney. wood burning stoves uk in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. Best wood burning stoves is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite. It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the backyard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.
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