Why You Should Focus On Enhancing Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential part of our health and wellbeing. But, they have to be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to limit the variations.

The amount of air supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

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 lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. 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. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited.  very small wood burning stove  can also stop chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If  very small wood burning stove  are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot 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 beyond that. 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 wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

The ashes should be removed and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.