11 Creative Ways To Write 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 a vital part of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire can also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.
A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.
A firewood pile that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. 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 old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used, however modern technology for combustion 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 requires more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.
When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the problem by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they also 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. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but security precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware 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 is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good for starting your fire going but should not be used for more than that. These soft woods contain sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. click the next page and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.