5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

wood burning fires; Read This method, Need to Be Hot and Clean

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

Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned cast iron wood burning stove has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial step to efficient combustion of the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. The best method to reduce the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is insufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly draw down 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 well-dried firewood load is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. For instance, white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark hickory and black locust but the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor wood burner air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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 burned.

Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however, modern wood burner combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we see on clear days.

When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces 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 can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the house.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is important to remove creosote, particulates, and other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as effectively.

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

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

Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for signs of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are good starter material to get your fire going however should not be used for anything other than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a large wood burning stove amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood burning stoves on sale contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise 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 is produced is then absorbed into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose a fire risk because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!

Regularly have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your specific unit.