5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean in order to work.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to reduce the variations.

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

A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. The converse is true of the fire that is restricted to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A firewood pile that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

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

Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for warming your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate 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 aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or british wood burning stoves stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

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

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.

Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a large wood burner-burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could develop. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood burning stove in conservatory does not burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It could also pose a fire risk because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic 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 look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.