Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot to function effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. cast iron wood burning stove , the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger 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 like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create 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 reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. visit the following post could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or at the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When source website aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be 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 excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable 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 that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote 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 inspected visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.