5 Tools That Everyone Working In The Wood Burning Fires Industry Should Be Utilizing
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not only soothing and mesmerizing but also essential to our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The quantity of air being supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.
To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
wood burners for sale of wood is another aspect to consider. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. 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 Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, security precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around 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 on a regular basis 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 such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out the procedure for your fireplace.