Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
wood burning fires, simply click the up coming document, are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean in order to work.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood burning stoves near me has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite 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. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these 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 more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. 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 the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. 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 is burnt.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood burning stove for shed fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning corner wood burner stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize smoke in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the 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, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.