Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. However, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To maximize simply click the next website page and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as far.
A load of firewood that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. 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 more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket 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 can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or in the house.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause 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 with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. second hand wood burning stoves forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.