Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and wood burning fires Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be hot enough to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important process for efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20 percent.
Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.
To maximize burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all the oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A firewood pile that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.
The BTU content of wood is a different factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. 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 distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and Wood Burning Fires fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log warms, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly Wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Avoid overburdening the stove with brittle 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. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at your home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood burning stove in conservatory can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, safety precautions should be taken. When fires are built 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, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys, at 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. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when tapped. Keep your contemporary wood burning stoves outside, neatly stacked with the top partially covered but still allowing air circulation around them.
The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it regularly for indications of wear. This could lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small woodburners pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter evenings. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a number of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a contemporary wood burning stoves piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.
The ashes should be removed and store them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.