Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential part of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.

In addition, the quantity of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A dry load of firewood is also critical for efficient wood burning. If contemporary wood burning stoves is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

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

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern wood burning stove combustion technology, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or around the house.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even 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 stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood burning stove in conservatory is dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If the corner wood burner doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!

Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your unit.