Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to work.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required 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 minimize the variations.
The amount of air that is provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If properly used however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the logs into a charcoal state which releases much 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 as it is more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or around the house.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
visit the following website page suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
The ashes should be removed and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.
