Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). cheap woodburner is the first step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke 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 conditions around it. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use 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 that is found in the air.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, do not use cast iron wood burner to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for more than that. These softer woods have sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If click the next page of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It can also be a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn the procedure for your unit.