Burning wood efficiently gives us more heat for less money, while reducing pollution and health risks.
But with a responsible use of the wood-burning fireplace, and following the following tips, it is possible to minimize smoke and particulate emissions, as well as considerably reduce the firewood necessary to maintain comfort inside the home, with the savings that this entails, as well as the environmental impact.
A material other than firewood or dry wood should never be used as combustible material for the fireplace. Examples of non-combustionable material include:
- Wood that has been treated or painted.
- Plywood boards.
- Plywood.
- Plastics.
- Fabrics or rags of any synthetic material.
- Batteries and batteries.
- Magazines or printed on coated paper.
- Aluminum foil or any type of metalized paper.
- Organic and inorganic remains.
- Any material containing solvents, glues, vehicles, etc.
Each and every one of these elements releases toxic chemicals into the air that can be harmful to your health and, in addition, can damage the wood fireplace.
Tip 1: Drying the wood to be used.
Wood loses moisture from its outermost layers to its innermost layers. Once the wood is cut, it naturally loses moisture. This varies depending on the climate, exposure to solar radiation and type of wood. To speed up this natural process, we can cut large pieces of wood into smaller ones, thus leaving the interior parts of the wood to the outside, favoring its drying out.
Storage can also contribute favorably to the drying out of wood. If we stack the wood in a ventilated area that allows it to be aerated, it will accelerate its drying out.
Tip 2: Only use wood that has completed its full removal cycle.
The drying time of wood is variable as it depends on multiple factors such as the type of wood, thickness, etc. As a general rule, a year is needed for this process, which will cause cracks to appear at the ends of the wood, which indicates that the drying is correct and ready for use.
One way to check the correct drying of the wood is to hit two pieces and listen to the sound they produce. A damp wood produces a "mute" sound, that is, little sonorous. While a dry wood produces a "more vibrant" or more sonorous sound.
The problem with using green firewood or wood with humidity is that it initially needs more fire and at a higher temperature to previously eliminate the moisture contained in the wood inside. Therefore, its energy contribution is lower, it generates a greater amount of ash and flying particles. This results in a greater frequency in cleaning cycles.
Tip 3: Outdoor storage criteria.
Once the firewood has been cut and divided, it should be stored outside to dry at room temperature. To do this, we will cover the upper part, we will leave the sides outside so that the air circulates freely and we will separate ourselves from the ground at least 15 cm to avoid soil moisture. In the event of rain or snowfall, we will cover it with a tarpaulin to protect it from the weather.
Once the firewood has been cut and divided, it must be stored outside to dry, for this it must be covered at the top, leaving the sides uncovered to facilitate air circulation. Make sure that the first line is about 15 cm away from the ground. In case of snowfall, it is necessary to cover the firewood with a tarpaulin, in order to protect it.
Tip 4: Minimize the storage of wood inside the house.
Outdoor storage is preferable to indoors, since storing large quantities of wood with humidity or green firewood inside the house will pass into the environment. This can be counterproductive as it will raise the humidity in the home, worsening thermal comfort and generating discomfort in the house, as well as other building pathologies.
Small quantities can be stored, although it is not the most recommended, but prior to storage, the wood will be cleaned by hitting it on a hard surface to eliminate possible insects that are hidden.
Tip 5: How to cut firewood correctly.
Divide the firewood into pieces between 10 and 15 cm in diameter. Small pieces of wood will be used to start the fire and only the larger ones will be used when you have a good fire burning. On the other hand, we will take into account that the more wood surface we expose to the flames, the better and cleaner it will burn. All this translates into economic savings since we will reduce the need to store more wood than is really necessary. We will also reduce the number of times we have to clean the wood-burning fireplace.
Tip 6: Check that the fire has enough air supply.
To do this, we will check that the air intake duct of the wood fireplace is not blocked by dirt, spider webs or animals.
A fireplace that burns properly produces more heat, less smoke and is therefore more efficient.
Tip 7: The right amount of firewood.
By introducing an excess of firewood, it causes a reduction in the necessary air intake and this generates incorrect combustion. Incorrect combustion results in a higher consumption of firewood, a lower thermal contribution to the house and a greater amount of ash that leads to a greater frequency of cleaning the chimney.
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