Indisputable Proof That You Need Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing, but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to function.

Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best way to minimize the variations is to use seasoned firewood with less than 20%.

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 more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.

To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as much.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high water content, which can be difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.

Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If used properly, however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried prior to 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 create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On  wood burning stoves ideas , the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the yard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your fireplace.