Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. They need to be warm and clean in order to function.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.
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 and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we see on clear days.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
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 on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, security precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in 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 to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If simply click the next website page doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If understanding have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.