5 Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires
wood burning stoves small Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
Wood burning fires (Https://www.nlvbang.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=688005) are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital part of our health and well-being. They should be hot and clean to work.
Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to light and burn for longer.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the first step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.
It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit the variations.
The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air is limited, however, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.
A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A firewood load that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry out it will have a high water content, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood burning fireplace is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke produces indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote are also released.
Smoke from old, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern technology for combustion, when properly used, can greatly reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log gets warmer it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm 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.
If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can lessen the risk of this issue by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of energy from the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood will help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and other particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain safe operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night however, security precautions should be taken. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.
Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.
Only make use of seasoned corner wood burning stove for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold nights of winter. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. 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. A variety of issues could cause a fire to fail to fully burn, such as dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.
Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece of large wood burner is water. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.
Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It is also an hazard to fire because it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.