Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires
wood burning fires - simply click the up coming website page - Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical aspect of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean in order to work.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to eliminate moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.
A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.
A firewood pile that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are 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 fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for older adults and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood woodburning 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 new 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 which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could 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 if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, make sure to use them around your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to function as effectively.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and Wood burning fires possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wood that is wet produces more creosote and smoke, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to them.
Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using dry, split, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. It is important to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid problems that may occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. When a large amount of creosote builds up it can result in chimney fires. These are the second hand wood burner most common cause of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed and cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water could comprise up to half of the weight of a wood piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
Regularly make sure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.