indexcuban4

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean The warmth and ambience of wood-burning fires is not only soothing and mesmerizing but is also vital to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly. Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame. Efficient Combustion A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue. It is important to know that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations. Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower. To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as much. A well-dried firewood load is also critical for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance. Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood. Clean Burning Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt. Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used however, wood burning stoves near me fireplacesandstoves in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions. Stage 1 – Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use warming 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 among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days. Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by converting the logs into the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat. Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires. Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home. Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation. Safety It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently. Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote. Keep combustible materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched. Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them. Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire. The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starting material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney. Maintenance Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency. Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash. Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke. Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite. You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard! Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.