Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
wood burning fires (https://Blogfreely.net/) are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures 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 to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
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 more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A firewood pile that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient cheap wood burner burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of cheap wood burning stoves burned. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause 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 such as benzene. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but permitting air circulation 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 that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create large wood burner amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. However, it is important 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 occur. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the 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 that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!
Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the 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 find out the procedure for your fireplace.