Are The Advances In Technology Making Wood Burning Fires Better Or Worse?
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. However, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.
Read Much more , or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke 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. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emission.
cheap woodburner - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, safety precautions must be taken. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.
Be aware not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire going however should not be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It also poses an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your unit.