Five Tools That Everyone In The Wood Burning Fires Industry Should Be Utilizing
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot to function effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The quantity of air provided to a flame will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is another 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. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When cheap wood burner is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you 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. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, 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 near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It can also be a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep cheap wood burning stoves on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can 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, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.