Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

wood burning fires (wzgroupup.Hkhz76.badudns.cc) Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical aspect of our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is more easy to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature required to ignite the secondary combustion process is dependent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20%.

The amount of air that is provided to a flame will also have an important influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire will produce less heat and burn slower.

A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. This is not the case with an area that is limited to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.

A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as 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. It's important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise 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 and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the wood gets warmer it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

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

If properly used, wood burning stove for shed stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or around the home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particulate matter, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

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

Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. wood burning stoves on sale that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going, but shouldn't be used for anything 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 a great way to enjoy the cold nights of winter. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might develop. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when freestanding wood burning stove does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes including dampers that aren't properly closed or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water can make up 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 absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.