What's Holding Back The Wood Burning Fires Industry?

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical element of our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a less than 20% to reduce the variations.

The amount of air being delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If  best wood burning stove  of air is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.

In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce 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 correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

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, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very 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 reduce moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. 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. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.

Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. 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 a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote or 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.  wood burning stoves on sale  is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

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

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.