10 Reasons That People Are Hateful Of Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires is not just soothing and enchanting, but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or  cast iron wood burner  dried wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

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

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%.

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

To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

cast iron wood burning stove  to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

cast iron wood burner  from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

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

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt 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 the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be cautious not to overload 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 own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly seasoned. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.