Fireplaces

A chimney helps to ventilate a room by drawing up warm air and smoke from the fire and expelling it outside. This creates a natural airflow that brings fresh air into the room. The open fire also helps by consuming oxygen and creating a pressure differential that encourages fresh air to enter the room.

Common minerals found in fireplaces include quartz (from the sand in the bricks or mortar), calcite (from limestone), and hematite (from iron content in bricks or firewood). Additionally, trace amounts of various minerals may also be present depending on the specific composition of the fireplace materials.

A fireplace may contain various minerals such as quartz, feldspar, mica, and calcite in the form of the stones used for construction or in the ash remnants from burned wood. Additionally, iron may be present in the form of wrought iron components such as grates or decorative elements.

Most wooden matches are poplar. It burns VERY quickly. While it may be useful to start a fire, or build a hot, quick fire, poplar has a low heat value (heat per lb of wood) and will burn out quickly.

Kerosene is used as an accelerant to help ignite wood logs quickly and easily. It provides a fast and hot flame that helps start the combustion process more efficiently. However, it is important to use kerosene safely and in moderation to avoid dangerous situations.

A log burns slowly because it has a higher moisture content and is denser, requiring more heat to ignite and sustain combustion. In contrast, a wood splinter burns quickly because it is thinner, less dense, and has a lower moisture content, allowing it to ignite and burn rapidly.

Chimney dust is often referred to as soot or creosote. Soot is a black powdery or flaky substance composed mostly of carbon that can accumulate in chimneys. Creosote is a tar-like substance that is a byproduct of wood burning and can also build up in chimneys, posing a fire hazard.

If you gas fire smells it is VERY IMPORTANT that you stop using it immediately and that you get a professional, qualified gas fire engineer to come and service it and check the flue.

The reason for this is that a faulty fire can produce a gas called Carbon Monoxide (CO) which you can not smell or taste. This gas will kill you and is responsible for may "faulty fire" related deaths a year. The fact that you can smell kerosene from the fire indicates that fumes are leaking back into your living area and the likelihood is that CO is too. STOP USING THE FIRE!

When we burn wood, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other combustion byproducts are released into the atmosphere.

The average gas fireplace typically consumes around 7,000 to 16,000 watts when in operation. However, it's important to note that this energy consumption can vary based on the size and type of the gas fireplace, as well as how long it is used for.

No, a wood burning stove requires wood as its fuel source, not propane. It is not safe to burn wood in a stove designed for propane only. It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and use the appropriate fuel for your stove.

The denser woods like oak or maple will release a lot of heat and last a long time. Typically you want to use hardwoods. Softwood trees like pine or spruce burn much faster and won't leave a nice coal bed. It is also important to remember to use dry firewood.

Wet wood contains moisture which must evaporate before combustion can occur. This process of evaporation absorbs heat energy, thus making it take longer for the wet wood to reach a temperature where it can burn efficiently.

Yes, the type of wood can affect how long it burns. Hardwoods like oak and maple tend to burn longer and produce more heat compared to softwoods like pine and spruce. Denser woods will generally burn more slowly than less dense woods.

The heat you feel when you put your hands above a fire is the result of infrared radiation emitted by the fire. This radiation transfers heat energy from the fire to your hands, causing a sensation of warmth.

A damper is a device that reduces the intensity of vibrations, sound, or movements in a system. It is commonly used in mechanical systems to control oscillations or to smooth out movements.

When wood burns, the hydrogen present in the wood combines with oxygen in the air to form water vapor. This reaction releases heat energy and carbon dioxide as byproducts of combustion.

Residue or ash is left behind after combustion because not all the fuel is completely burned during the process. Incomplete combustion can occur due to insufficient oxygen supply, poor fuel-air mixture, or low combustion temperatures. The residue can also contain unburnt carbon, which is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.

It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to provide full protection against the flu virus. However, some protection may start as early as a few days after receiving the vaccine.

To clean iron doors on a fireplace, start by mixing a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the doors, then rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that could scratch the iron surface.

It is not recommended to burn sassafras wood in a fireplace or stove, as it can release harmful chemicals when burned. These chemicals can be harmful to both human health and the environment. It is best to choose a different type of wood for burning in your fireplace.

Yes, ash silver birch can be burned in a wood burner. It is important to ensure that the wood is properly seasoned, meaning it is dry and has a moisture content around 20%. Burning green or wet wood can lead to creosote buildup and inefficient combustion. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines when using a wood burner.

To remove SO2 from a chimney, you can use flue gas desulfurization technologies such as wet scrubbers, dry sorbent injection, or electrostatic precipitators. These technologies help capture and neutralize SO2 emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. Regular maintenance and monitoring of these systems are essential to ensure effective removal of SO2.

Flue gas loss on ignition can be calculated by measuring the difference in stack gas temperature before and after ignition, along with the flow rate of the gas and its composition. By determining the energy content of the flue gas before and after combustion, the flue gas loss on ignition can be calculated using the energy balance equation. This measurement helps in assessing the efficiency of the combustion process and identifying opportunities for improvement.

A chimney pot helps improve the draft in a chimney by increasing air flow. It also prevents rainwater from entering the chimney and reduces downdrafts. Additionally, chimney pots can enhance the appearance of a building.