Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our health and wellbeing. However, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.

The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have a significant influence on its energy output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A well-dried firewood load is also crucial to efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned, volatile tars such as creosote also get released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when properly used can drastically reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and creates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle 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 could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or in the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce moisture. The wood that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be careful not to over-load your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire by using small wood burner pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second hand wood burner most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood burning stoves for sale is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check 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 includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your fireplace.