top wood burning stoves Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical element of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.
The quantity of air being supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning 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 cause indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or in the house.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
You should remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for any blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.