iciclebrick86

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations. The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower. To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread. A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. conservatory wood burner is crucial to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote also get released. Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Vaporization moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for heating 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 one of the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days. If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as effectively. Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible. The ashes should be removed and store them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look 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 chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.