Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to function.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. source website dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content that may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults 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. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when properly used can significantly reduce the emissions.
cast iron wood burner - Vaporization moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would when the log was dried to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly 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. Pine is a good starting material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It could also pose a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.