Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Methods To Say Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood-burning fires aren't only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to be effective.

Unseasoned, or green, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.

In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.

A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.

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

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. If properly used however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and 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 seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.

In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.

If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove functioning 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 and maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains, and even toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried during the summer months to reduce the moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

Be careful not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These softer woods have sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If  wood burning stove in conservatory  of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy.  wood burning stoves ideas  produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It also poses a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!

Regularly have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.