20 Resources That Will Make You Better At 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 element of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean to function.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20%.
In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the end grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to spend winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. talks about it helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your unit.