Five Killer Quora Answers On 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 element of our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green wood burning stove in conservatory, or unseasoned wood, has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood burning stove for shed has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be hot enough to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best way to minimize these variations is by using seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.

A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a limited area, in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A load of firewood that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

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

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

If properly used when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at your home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, security precautions should be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.

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

Only use seasoned cast iron wood burning stove in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked 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. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned shed wood burner and constructing a hot fire with small woodburners pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These woods with sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils 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 part of smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It could also pose an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!

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 closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for any blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your fireplace.