giantlawyer51

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and wellbeing. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective. Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations. The amount of air being delivered to a fire will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate. A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as much. A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month. The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote are also released. Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can 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 when the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use warming your home. These vapors combine 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 experience on clear days. If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the logs as usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire – it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or in the home. Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, security precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively. Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. visit this web page link , lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched. Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them. The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire. The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency. If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal. Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden 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 part of smoke. Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases. Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard! You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look 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 chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.