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15 Weird Hobbies That'll Make You More Successful At Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential element of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.

Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.

In addition, the quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. large wood burning stove produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.

To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire is unable to expand as much.

A firewood pile that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high water content that can be 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 month.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.

If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or around the home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.


Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang freestanding wood burning stove on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!

Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.

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