11 Creative Ways To Write About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating, but also essential to our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to work.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to minimize these variations.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. small woodburners (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store wood burning stoves small stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most frequent causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Soot is another noxious product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. small wood burning stove is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes 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 the particular unit you have.