pointdouble36

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to work. Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters 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 in the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations. In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited. A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread. A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month. The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as 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 burned. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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 older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can drastically reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried 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 major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. 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. Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the house and creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently. Do not burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires. Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire. The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using woodburning stoves as pine. Pine is a good starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke. Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases. You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the yard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually checked for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.