What's Holding Back From The Wood Burning Fires Industry?

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital part of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work.

Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is insufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine.  wood burning fireplace  require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night however, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. 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. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can 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 two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.