Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential aspect of our health and well-being. corner wood burning stove need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to limit the variations.
The amount of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.
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 can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
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. If properly used however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold however, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is 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 decrease the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create 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. small wood burning heater is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.