Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, cheap wood burner must be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to limit the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To ensure maximum 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 take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat with 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 air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens 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 is burnt.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use warming your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly 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 that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin 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 metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire going but should not be used for anything more than. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a substantial 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 fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.