jeffthread2

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to function effectively. Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer. Efficient Combustion A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue. It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to limit the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent. In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower. A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread. A well-dried firewood load is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month. Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns. Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used properly can significantly reduce the emission. Stage 1 – Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home. In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we experience on clear days. Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires. Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently. Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on 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 fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them. Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause 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 with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter nights. It is crucial 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 prevent problems that could occur. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Click On this site could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke. Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible. Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard! It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.