5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

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Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. However, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.

The amount of air that is delivered to a fire will also have a significant impact on the energy 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 slower when the air supply is slowed.

To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small wood burning heater area is less likely to spread.

A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient corner wood burning stove burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out, it will have high water content, which can be difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

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

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This takes more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.

In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we see on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if used correctly, can significantly reduce this issue by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite when exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or at the home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.

Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects like curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be aware not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. During the fire it 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 atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your yard!

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