Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood Burning Fires; Articlescad.Com, are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical aspect of our health and wellbeing. However, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.

The amount of air being supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or woodburning fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.

A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote can also be 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, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly, can greatly reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood burners for sale stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed freestanding wood burning stove to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you use them around your garden or around the home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night, but precautions for safety must be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand 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 over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods contain 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 spend winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the lawn!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.