A Step-By'-Step Guide For Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical aspect of our health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean to work.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes 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

The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts.  wood burners near me  is the key step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best method to reduce the variation is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only 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 aspect to consider. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens 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. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the logs into a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or in the home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire up and running, but should not be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because up to half 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 condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.

You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.