Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical part of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean in order to function.

Green, or unseasoned wood has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood burners near me has low moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel and the environmental conditions. The best way to limit these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20%.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is limited.

A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is vital for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in seniors 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. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote also get released.

Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If used properly, however modern technology for combustion in very small wood burning stove stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in 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.

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, if utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce this issue by converting the wood to a charcoal state that releases less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten Wood burner clearance sale to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke, which can lead to chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should make use of them in your garden or in the house.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a cold winter night, but security precautions must be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, impede the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothes near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood is dried during the summer months to reduce moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small woodburners pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starting material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These woods with resin and sap, which, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great option to relax during winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote accumulates, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and the absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote can accumulate excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is created then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another hazard of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It also poses a fire hazard because it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants Don't forget to spread them out across the yard!

Regularly ensure that your chimney and fireplace are inspected by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that has an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for obstructions. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.