This Is A Wood Burning Fires Success Story You'll Never Believe
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step to efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high water content that could make it difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of please click the following page . They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or around the house.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.
Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going but should not be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.