wood burning fires (warner-holdt-2.technetbloggers.de) Need to Be Hot and Clean
wood burning stove in conservatory burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential element of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to function.
Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.
The quantity of air being delivered to a fire can also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
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 gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small wood burning stove area where the fire can not expand as much.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which can be difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however 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 take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your corner wood burner will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire by using small wood burner pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to 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 produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, 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 gasses that ignite.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.