cutsled69

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively. Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). indoor wood burner is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20%. The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much. A load of firewood that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially 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. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce the emissions. 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 had been dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we experience on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft 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. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, precautions for safety must be taken. When fires aren't properly 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 block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney. The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going however should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend 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 will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases. It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the yard! Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.