Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.
The amount of air supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high water content that may make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can significantly reduce these emissions.
cheap woodburner - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. visit the following post which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of 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 generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use cast iron wood burner made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold however, security precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the lawn!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.