Editing 14 Common Misconceptions About Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean<br><br>Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our health and wellbeing. They need to be warm and clean in order to function.<br><br>Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.<br><br>Efficient Combustion<br><br>A wood fire must be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.<br><br>It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.<br><br>In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.<br><br>To maximize burn time 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 exhaust the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a [http://xojh.cn/home.php?mod=space&uid=2315110 small wood burning stove] area where the fire is unable to expand as much.<br><br>A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.<br><br>Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.<br><br>Clean Burning<br><br>Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.<br><br>Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce the emission.<br><br>Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.<br><br>These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.<br><br>Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.<br><br>Avoid using damp, sour or rotten 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 such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.<br><br>Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.<br><br>Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.<br><br>Safety<br><br>There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.<br><br>Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.<br><br>Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your [https://funsilo.date/wiki/10_British_Wood_Burning_Stoves_Tricks_All_Pros_Recommend wood burning fireplace]. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.<br><br>Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned [http://arcdog.com/architects/pantryvelvet72/activity/418575/ british wood burning stoves] is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.<br><br>The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.<br><br>The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.<br><br>Maintenance<br><br>A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.<br><br>Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires which are the [http://taikwu.com.tw/dsz/home.php?mod=space&uid=1102522 second hand wood burning stoves] leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.<br><br>Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.<br><br>Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning [https://www.medflyfish.com/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=5827179 wood burner]. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.<br><br>Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!<br><br>Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined 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 double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.