Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Different Ways Of Saying Wood Burning Fires
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 wellbeing. They must be hot and clean to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and burn time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can 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 slowed.
To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A load of firewood that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of Moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes 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 sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or at the house.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using click through the up coming website page like pine, which can be a good starter material to get your fire going however should not be used for anything more than. These woods with resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. 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 two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your particular unit.