Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

wood burning fires - visit the next document, are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital element of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.

The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A freestanding wood burning stove fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting gives the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial 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 discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however modern wood burner combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or around the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

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

Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.

Be careful not to over-load 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 a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

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

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside wood burners on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!

Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.