Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

wood burning fires (www.hondacityclub.com) Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential element of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean to work.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.

The quantity of air that is supplied to a fire will also have an important influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a very small wood burning stove space is less likely to spread.

A firewood pile that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high levels of water, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. 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 is burned.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, modern wood burning stove clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when properly used can significantly reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization 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 dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for to heat your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned contemporary wood burners for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.

Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of factors including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.