Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical aspect of our health and well-being. But, they have to be clean and hot to work effectively. Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations. The quantity of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. This Internet site -open setting permits the fire to burn through 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 well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month. The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions. Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms it releases water vapour which 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 which could be used to heat 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. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can 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, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or around the home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but safety precautions must be taken. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't 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 lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods have sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases. It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the yard! Regularly have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.
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