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 They're also an essential element of our health and wellbeing. But, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be hot enough to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step in efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is important to know that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.

In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is restricted.

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

A load of firewood that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burners near me burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. For optimal performance it is recommended you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example, white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods, such as black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, meaning they will provide more heat for the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from poorly designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with modern wood burning stove technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, which escapes up 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 heating your home.

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

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Make sure you store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite when exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the house and creosote accumulations can form within the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, inhibit airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Also, do not use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

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

Only make use of seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly, with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be cautious not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned wood heater stove to minimize smoke in your home. Create a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running but shouldn't be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that, when burned, deposit an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also ensures that the chimney is clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of factors, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the liner of the chimney and the absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Wood that is not properly seasoned can cause an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It could also pose an ignition risk since it is easily ignited when exposed to combustible gasses.

You should remove the ashes and place them in a metal ash container that you can keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the lawn!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and fireplace 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 double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for any blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to do this for your particular unit.