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, but they're a critical element of our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean to function effectively.
Unseasoned, or green, wood is very moist that makes it challenging to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned large wood burning stove has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood burning stoves near me fire must be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( The heat-producing process of secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel while reducing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.
It is important to note that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has less than 20% to reduce the variations.
The quantity of air that is delivered to a fire will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.
Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce wood may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
wood burning stoves for sale smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than when the log was dried prior to burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or in the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, precautions for safety must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.
Never burn treated, painted, or household waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and produce toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried through the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your logs outside, neatly stacked and 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. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are a great for starting your fire up and running however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to enjoy the winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. They are the second leading cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to burn completely can be caused by a variety of reasons such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. During the fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to check 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 which includes an air tube, the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.