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 health and wellbeing. But, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.

Unseasoned, or green, wood burners near me is very moist that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent.

The quantity of air being delivered to a fire will also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.

A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. freestanding wood burning stove that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

wood burning fireplace smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by burning the logs to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should use them around your garden or at the house.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, Wood Burning Fires safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood burning fireplace stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered and 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 have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is another noxious product of burning contemporary wood burning stoves. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It can also be a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. 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 fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.