Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot in order for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.

In addition, the quantity of air supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood burning stoves ideas fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however modern wood burning stove technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of Moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog we experience on clear days.

If properly used, wood burning stoves ideas stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

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

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, precautions for safety should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your woodburning fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an iron liner, you should inspect it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft 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 soft woods contain resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may develop. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. 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, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.

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

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.