Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.
wood burning stoves for sale , or unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The amount of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or 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 exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use 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 another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. wood burning stoves for sale is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near 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 fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.
Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.
wood burning fireplace is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
The ashes should be removed and store them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So 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 be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.