Five 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 an essential element of our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to be effective.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood burning stoves uk has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

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

It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best method to reduce these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent.

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

A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small woodburners space is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to consider. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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 old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

When used correctly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.

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

Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but security precautions must be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or freestanding wood burner stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.

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

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including 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 build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It can also be a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to learn how to do it for your unit.