Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical aspect of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.

Unseasoned, or green, wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A Wood burner clearance sale fire needs to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. The best way to limit the variations is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20%.

In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and will burn slower.

A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will maximize the time to burn and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire all the oxygen it can get and quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high water content that may make it difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood burning stoves ideas is a different factor to take into consideration. For instance white pine or spruce wood may be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor wood burner air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can reduce these emissions.

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

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

If properly used, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions, which releases less volatile gasses and produces most of the energy from the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire because it's more difficult to burn and produces lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overload your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be dangerous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the house.

Storing, seasoning and properly 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 deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are required. If fires are constructed incorrectly and left unattended or burnt the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your wood stove or furnace to work less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects, such as curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Make sure your children are aware that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly with the top securing with a breathable air circulate around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood burning stoves on sale, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These woods with resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition 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 clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fireplace to fully burn is caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the liner of the chimney, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece cast iron wood burner is water. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote can block airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

The ashes should be removed and put them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly sealed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your particular unit.