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 a vital element of our wellbeing and health. But, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood burning stove in conservatory 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 snuff out moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit these variations is by using seasoned firewood with less than 20 percent.

Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

To maximize burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. Wide open settings allow the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small wood burner area is less likely to spread.

A dry load of firewood is also crucial to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they offer more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which can cause cancer. When firewood is smuggled into the air the volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality outside, reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. If properly used however, modern combustion technology in wood stoves that burn clean and wood burning fires in fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.

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

If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or in the house.

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

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the woodburning fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.

Overloaded appliances produce 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 indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for more than that. These soft woods are brimming with 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 a great way to warm up during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do it for your particular unit.