The Most Convincing Proof That You Need Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.

In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A firewood load that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial 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 cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can significantly reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.

When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.

Properly properly storing,  click to read  and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.

Do not burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.

Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. 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. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent 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 such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable 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 that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.