Notes

The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Wood Burning Fires Industry
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.


Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize these variations is by using seasoned firewood with less than 20 percent.

In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when properly used can drastically reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.

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

If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log into usable heat.

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

Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop 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 must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going, but should not be used for more than that. These soft woods contain sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.

The ashes should be removed and store them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

Fireplaces And Stoves is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your unit.

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