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 a vital element of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.

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

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The quantity of air provided to a flame will also have an important impact on the heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. The reverse is true for a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.

A dry load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood burning stove for shed. 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 can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote also get released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can drastically reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

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

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or in the home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but safety precautions must be taken. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Don't use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.

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

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.

Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis 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, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small woodburners pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great for starting your fire going, but should not be used for anything other than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to spend winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second hand wood burning stoves leading cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire 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.

Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up 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 a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It can also be an ignition risk since it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.

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

It is recommended to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.