Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
wood burning stove in conservatory , or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20 percent.
The quantity of air provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. cast iron wood burning stove , the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content that could make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For example white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in 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 wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft 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 cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods have sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might arise. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. 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 double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to 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.