Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

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Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential element of our health and wellbeing. They need to be warm and clean to function.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.

In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A well-dried load of firewood is also critical to efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor wood burner air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. 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. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor 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.

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

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage paper, rags, or other combustible substances in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible objects like curtains, furniture and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly with the top securing, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going, but should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the Best wood burning stoves way to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a large wood burning stove amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to check for wood burning fires cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.