5 Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital element of our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The amount of air supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on the temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood burning stoves on sale fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

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. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. The converse is true of an area that is limited to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry, it will have high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in wood burning stove for shed stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

wood burning stoves on sale stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.

Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know 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 during the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Create a fire using very small wood burner pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!

It is recommended to have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to remove the catalyst and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.