20 Resources That Will Make You More Effective At Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical element of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean to be effective.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to minimize the variations.

The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.

To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.

A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For  shed wood burner  or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as 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 reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we see on clear days.

If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have 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 can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or around the house.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night, but security precautions must be taken. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These woods with resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

You should remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to check 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 have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for any blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your unit.