Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential element of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean to function.

Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important process for efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit these variations is by using well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent.

Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.

A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a small woodburners area in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A dry load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned Wood burner clearance sale that has been stored outside wood burners for six to nine month.

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

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds like benzene. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood woodburning stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.

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

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.

If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.

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

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. When fires aren't properly built, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and makes a hollow sound when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered with a breathable air circulate around them.

Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside 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, which can be a good for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which, when burned, deposit large wood burner amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, 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. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.

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

Make sure you ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.