wood burning fires - https://zenwriting.net, Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood burning stoves small fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have a significant influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as much.
A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning stoves uk burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor wood burning stove air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by burning the logs to charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing 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 produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise 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 wood burning stoves small-burning woodburning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove 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 own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis 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 the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
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, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn the procedure for your particular unit.