14 Common Misconceptions About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to function. Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial process for efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue. It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations. The amount of air being supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on its temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a limited area, where the fire is unable to expand as much. A well-dried load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance. The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements 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 older adults and children. 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 burns. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home. In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days. If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires. Use please click the following page made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly, 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 flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as effectively. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them. Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency. Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal. Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. 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 byproduct from burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses. It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the backyard! Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.