20 Fun Infographics About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean to work.
Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent.
In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. cheap woodburner produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
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. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high water content that could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from older, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried 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 and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night However, security precautions should be taken. When fires are improperly built or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses 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. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn the procedure for your particular unit.