자유게시판

• 목록
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

wood burning fires (Read the Full Posting) Need to Be Hot and Clean

cheap wood burning stoves burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical aspect of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned corner wood burning stove has a low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best way to minimize these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.

The quantity of air supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.

A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high water content that can be difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. For instance, wood burning fires white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

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

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes up the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of 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 this problem by burning the logs to a charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the 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 constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.

Be cautious not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

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 woodburners pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are a great for starting your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important 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 prevent problems that could occur. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and wood burning fires ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

You should remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.