Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
wood burning fires (click through the up coming web site) are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical aspect of our health and wellbeing. They need to be warm and clean in order to function.
Green, or unseasoned cheap wood burning stoves has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.
The quantity of air that is 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. When the air supply is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as much.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat from 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 produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote also get released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form 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, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. 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. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood burning stove in conservatory stove or furnace not to work as effectively.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. The conservatory wood burner that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned freestanding wood burner looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside wood burners, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may develop. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up 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 is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the yard!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.