corner wood burner Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To ensure maximum 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 lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means 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 the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens 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 wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to 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 also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night, but precautions for safety must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, 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 know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and 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 signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. modern wood burning stove is more pliable than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.