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 a vital part of our health and well-being. However, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green, or unseasoned, wood is very moist which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and maintain a fire.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire must be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( 900 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process begins. This is the key step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollutants and smoke in the flue.

It is important to keep in mind that the temperature needed for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best method to reduce the variation is to use dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. When the air supply is insufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.

A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will maximize the burn time and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. A fire that is contained in a small space is less likely to spread.

A firewood pile that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and isn't dried will have a high water content which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are higher. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's crucial to take into consideration your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality in the outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical smog. If used properly however, modern technology for combustion in wood stoves that burn clean and in fire 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 consumes more energy than it would have if the log was seasoned to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.

In the flue, these vapors mix with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce this problem significantly by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and releases the majority of the energy produced by the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with soft and thin wood like pine or fir as it requires more energy to burn them and they create 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. Be sure to store or dispose of them properly since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also help prevent chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, security precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow and cause your wood burning stoves for sale stove or furnace to run less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible substances in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide, and release toxic gasses. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene could cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and produce toxic creosote.

Keep flammable materials like curtains, furniture and toys away from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. Seasoned wood is dried throughout the summer to reduce moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clean. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapped. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top securing and allowing air to circulate around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to help reduce the amount of smoke that your home produces. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for a fire, but shouldn't be used for more than. These softer woods have resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a freestanding wood burner burning fireplace is the perfect method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might arise. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup, and also keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. This is because up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning Wood Burning Stoves Small. Soot is more pliable than creosote, however it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and impede air circulation. It is also a fire hazard because it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

You should remove the ashes and put them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will be able to check for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your fireplace.