5 Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
corner wood burner burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.
Green, or unseasoned wood is very moist which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step in efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.
It is important to keep in mind that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to 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. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a slower rate.
To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area where the fire can not expand as much.
A firewood load that has been dried properly is vital for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content that can be difficult for logs to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For instance, white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as black locust and shagbark hickory, however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they offer more heat for the same amount of british wood burning stoves burned. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can cause indoor wood burning stove air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. When used correctly, however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we encounter on clear days.
Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the wood to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire - 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 like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them, and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite if exposed to water, and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or at the house.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.
Safety
It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold however, security precautions must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, impede airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to run less efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gasses and release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.
Keep flammable materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys, a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Place your logs outdoors and stack them neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.
Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.
The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to reduce smoke in your home. Build a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These woods with resin and sap, which is a result of burning, and deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could arise. This prevents excessive creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.
If wood doesn't completely burn it forms creosote in the chimney. When a lot of creosote accumulates it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires 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, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Incorrectly seasoned Wood Burning Stoves contributes to the accumulation of creosote to an excessive degree. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as a part of smoke.
Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as sources of nutrients for plants So don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!
You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.