wood burning stoves uk Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambience of a wood-burning fireplace is not just relaxing and captivating but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to work.
Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.
A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the home.
Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of 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, which are good starter material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It could also pose an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
Regularly have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot 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 should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.