fowlseeder33

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. They must be hot and clean in order to function. Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations. The quantity of air being supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as far. A firewood pile that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry, it will have high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance. Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can drastically reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – The vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home. The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by burning the logs to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. wood burning stove in conservatory 't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation 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 have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material 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 the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke. Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for any blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do this for your particular unit.