A Wood Burning Fires Success Story You'll Never Believe
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The amount of air provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and 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 in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and producing most 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 generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning british wood burning stoves on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night However, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
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 using softer woods, like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the 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 hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily 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. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually checked for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.