wood burning Fires (telegra.ph) Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to reduce the variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient a british wood burning stoves fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When british wood burning stoves is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of british wood burning stoves. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the main 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 this problem by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your cheap wood burning stoves-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The large wood burning stove that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which 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. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited 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. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.