5 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 a vital part of our wellbeing and health. They must be hot and clean in order to work.
Green wood burning stoves on sale, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process begins. This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient a wood fire produces less heat and will burn at a slower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to burn through all oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small wood burner area is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content, which can be difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
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, but their BTU values are higher. This means they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
large wood burning stove smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like 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 contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce the emission.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to produce 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.
When used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce the problem by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.
Use a metal bucket to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home instead.
Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also essential to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold, but safety precautions must be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.
Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Don't use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood Burning fires stove. Seasoned wood has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood to reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods, like pine, which are good starting material to get your fire going, but should not be used for more than that. These softer woods have resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote inside the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The inability of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gases.
You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
Make sure you have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.