swissswiss86

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential part of our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best way to minimize these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20%. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as much. A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For very small wood burner or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause 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 burned. Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the house. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel 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 as well as maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires. Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that when burned, 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. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to 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 is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases. You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard! It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for any blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do this for your unit.