This Is The History Of Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. But, small wood burner must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and 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 can contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in 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.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your 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 bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. corner wood burner or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, security precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker, 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 with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going, but should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.
The ashes should be removed and place them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!
It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.