Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

wood burning fires, sneak a peek at this web-site., Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly.

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 degrees F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required 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 less than 20% to minimize these variations.

The amount of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting lets the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and quickly drain the fuel supply. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.

A load of firewood that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. It is crucial to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor wood burning fires air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical pollution. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

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

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

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir; it takes more energy to burn them, and they create more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or in the home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are required. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning contemporary wood burners. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood burning stoves small has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and with less mess. Seasoned wood looks darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top wood burning stoves covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and ensures that the chimney is 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 accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed 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 inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.