Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical element of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean in order to work.

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20 percent.

The amount of air that is provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained in a small wood burning heater space is less likely to spread.

A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high water content that may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly, however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.

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

If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour shed wood burner for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood burning stoves on sale. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them in a safe manner as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your conservatory wood burner will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold however, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. The Wood Burning Stoves that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be careful not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to 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 then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great for starting your fire going but should not be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly prepared. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket, which you should 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 all over your backyard!

Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.