5 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 comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential part of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize these variations.

Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a lower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel that is usable. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.

A well-dried firewood load is also critical for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry it will have a high levels of water, which could make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for the best performance.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide 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 produces indoor wood burning stove air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor Wood Burning Fires air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used can drastically reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have when the log was dried to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for to heat your home.

In the flue, the vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we experience on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the logs into the state of charcoal that releases less volatile gases, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or around the home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, like furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The shed wood burner that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation to 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 a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are a great starter material to get your fire going but should not be used for anything other than. These woods with resin and sap that when burned, releases too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to enjoy the winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and Wood Burning Stove For Shed hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. This is because up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. When the fire is burning, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and adhere to walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants Don't forget to spread them around the lawn!

Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly shut damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and checked visually for obstructions. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.