Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

wood burning fires (how you can help) 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. However, they must be clean and hot in order to function effectively.

Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should 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 around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

The amount of air being provided to a flame will also have a significant influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small woodburners space 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 the chance to dry it will have a high water content, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. For the best wood burning stove performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used, however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

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

When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, security precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

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

Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has 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 suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small wood burning stove pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for more than that. These woods with sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. 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. The inability of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood burning stoves uk is not properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning corner wood burner. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It also poses an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut 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 checked for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.