Five 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, but they're a critical element of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean in order to work.
Green, or unseasoned, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to limit the variations.
Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect its heat output and time to burn. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper can increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A load of firewood that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood burning stoves small that has been stored outside for six to nine months.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they'll produce more heat with the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside, making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. When used correctly, however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log heats, it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.
These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this problem by converting the logs into charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you utilize them in your garden or in the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, safety precautions should be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood burning stoves on sale that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.
Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently 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 with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire going but should not be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to spend winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you reap the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents creosote buildup and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when british wood burning stoves does not completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, though less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It can also be a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them all over your backyard!
Make sure you make sure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do it for your fireplace.