Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

wood burner Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

wood burning fires [enquiry] are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our health and well-being. However, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote 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 in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

In addition, the quantity of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is limited, however, a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.

To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a limited area, where the fire can not expand as much.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of corner wood burner. For example, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

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

Smoke from poorly-designed Wood Burning Stoves stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can significantly reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, Wood burning fires that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

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

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and wood burning fires can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, dangerous fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. 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 signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a variety of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as 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 cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It could also pose a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!

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 shut damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.