large wood burning stove Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they have to be hot and clean to work effectively.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. please click the next website to limit the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%.
The amount of air being provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.
A well-dried firewood load is also crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high water content that could make it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When wood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. talks about it that could be used for 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 one of the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and 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 dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, safety precautions should 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 deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like curtains, furniture and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might develop. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, 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. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.