Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
go here has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
To ensure maximum burn time 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. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A firewood load that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. please click the following page is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These soft woods contain resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.