5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. They need to be warm and clean to work.

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a low moisture content and is easier to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation 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. The best wood burning stove method to reduce the variations is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

The amount of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on the temperature and burning time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is slowed.

A wood stove or fireplace insert fitted with an adjustable air damper will maximize burn time and efficiency. Wide open settings allow the fire to burn through all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained within a small space is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had the chance to dry it will have a high levels of water, which may make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months to ensure optimal performance.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce may be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, particularly for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can cause poor air quality in the outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical smog. When used correctly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to heat your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is one of the main sources of smog we experience on clear days.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by converting the logs into charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire because it's more difficult to burn and generates 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, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or at the house.

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

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, precautions for safety must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash, rags, paper and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Don't use the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluid can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood burning stove for shed for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease the moisture. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks 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.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an iron liner, you should inspect it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which can be a good starting material to get your fire up and running but should not be used for anything more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which when burned, releases 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. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If freestanding wood burner doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a substantial amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to fully burn, such as dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half of the weight of a piece wood heater stove is water. In the course of a fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy in the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the backyard!

Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks in the chimney, soot and creosote levels, a properly closed damper and also the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should remove the catalyst and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out the procedure for your unit.