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20 Great Tweets Of All Time About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot to work effectively.


Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The amount of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped 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 fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For instance white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

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

If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and is hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have 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 inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. wood heater stove is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If wood heater stove of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.

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