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 aspect of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean in order to be effective.

Green, or unseasoned, wood has high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most important step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The Best wood burning stoves method to reduce the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%.

The amount of air that is provided to a flame will also have an important impact on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.

A well-dried firewood load is also critical for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high water content that may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.

The BTU content of wood is a different factor to consider. For example white pine or spruce trees may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, meaning they will offer more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's crucial to consider your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. When wood burning stoves on sale is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly however modern combustion technology in wood 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, that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be used for heating your home.

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

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by burning the logs to the state of charcoal which releases much less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also crucial 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

It's difficult to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, security precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gasses and release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. The freestanding wood burning stove that is damp produces more creosote and smoke, whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top wood burning stoves partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods, like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. When a lot of creosote accumulates, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second leading causes of house fires across the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote can accumulate in large amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct of burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!

Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace with an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.