5 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 an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.

Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step in efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollutants and smoke in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within a small wood burning stove space is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is 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 that can be difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel 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 formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can drastically reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log warms it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for to heat your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to the state of charcoal, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine as it requires more energy to burn them and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the house.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, safety precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried during the summer months to reduce moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top wood burning stoves covered, but allowing air circulation to them.

Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second hand wood burning stoves-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. 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 resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the yard!

Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.