How To Make An Amazing Instagram Video About Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood-burning fires aren't just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential part of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its temperature and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.
A dry load of firewood is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. wood burning stoves on sale (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.
If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are constructed incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Recommended Studying is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and adhere to walls. It 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 of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them around the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If wood burning stoves uk have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do this for your fireplace.