Then You've Found Your Wood Burning Fires ... Now What?

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue. It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to reduce these variations. The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have an important influence on its energy output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will 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 slowed. To ensure maximum 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 quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much. A load of firewood that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content that may make it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that 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. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat from 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 is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions. Stage 1 – Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home. In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form 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, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into a charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home. Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently. Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise 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 fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them. Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney. The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney. Maintenance A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. Wood burner clearance sale is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. second hand wood burning stoves prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure 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 removal of ash. Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. go here consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke. Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the lawn! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney 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 do this for your particular unit.