How To Create An Awesome Instagram Video About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but is also vital to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to be effective.
Green wood, also known as 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 easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to reduce these variations.
The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for older adults 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 fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and 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 uses up more energy than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and producing 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. Do not overload your 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.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. small woodburners could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to work as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustible objects like curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce 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 an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood 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 good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great option to relax during winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece 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.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also 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 checked for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn the procedure for your unit.