fingerquartz18

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean to be effective. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 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 in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed. To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire can not expand as far. A load of firewood that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released. Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home. These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air. When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log into usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening article source 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 have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or in the house. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware 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. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them. Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for more than that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could develop. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash. Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.