Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital element of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean to function.

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to push 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 most important step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for wood burning fires secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the environment. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.

Additionally, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will generate less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial to efficient corner wood burner burning. Freshly cut wood burning stoves ideas that isn't dried will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months to ensure optimal performance.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be cheaper than eastern hardwoods like shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the 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 such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical smog. When used correctly however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating 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 among the main sources of smog we encounter on clear days.

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the logs into a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and generates more creosote. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine; it takes more energy to burn them and they create more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and keep your stove running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace on a cold winter night However, security precautions must be taken. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to function as efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, cause toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in 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 extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.

Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great fuel for the fire, but it shouldn't be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that when burned, create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is a great way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best wood burning stove way to avoid any issues that might develop. This prevents excessive creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when Wood Burning Stoves does not burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can cause chimney fires which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

The ashes should be removed and place them in a metal ash container that you keep outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly shut damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for obstructions. Consult your user's manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.