Val Truitt

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

wood burning fires (you can try this out) are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20%.

The amount of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate.

To increase the time of burning and Very Small Wood Burner efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.

A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine month.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of very small wood burner. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern wood burner technology for combustion, when properly used can drastically reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would had the log been 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 one of the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or in the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, security precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.

Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using very small wood burning stove pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning freestanding wood burning stove. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited 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 an unflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can 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 have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.