5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires
wood burning fires (Home Page) Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential part of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be hot enough to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary 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 required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.
The quantity of air that is provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is slowed.
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 allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood burner clearance sale smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern wood burning stove technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood heats, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the 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 metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out 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 clean. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.
Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire by using small wood burning heater pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. The inability of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote can build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from 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!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.