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 health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. The best way to minimize the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.
The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have a significant influence on its temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.
A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example white pine or spruce wood 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 contemporary wood burners burned. This is why it's important to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If properly used however, modern wood burner combustion technology in wood woodburning stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
If used properly, wood woodburning stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but security precautions must be taken. If fires are constructed incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted wood, household waste paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure that children understand that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more creosote and smoke, while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods contain sap and resin, which burns, if burned, will create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second hand wood burning stoves leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses 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, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
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!
Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Consult your user manual to learn the procedure for your fireplace.