5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires (Http://italianculture.net/) are not only comforting and mesmerising They're also an essential aspect of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean to be effective.

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

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to snuff out water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The heat-producing process of secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best way to minimize these variations is by using dry firewood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

In addition, the quantity of air that is pumped into the fire can have a significant impact on its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to burn through all oxygen available and will quickly use up the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had a chance to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which could make it difficult to burn. For the best performance, it is recommended that you only use 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. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat with the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to take into consideration your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor wood burner air pollutants, which can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood woodburning stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. However, new clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces with modern combustion technology, when used properly can significantly reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization Moisture: As the log gets warmer, it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log had been dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the major sources of smog that we see on clear days.

If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states that releases less volatile gasses and releases most of the energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and produces more creosote. 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 produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They could ignite again if exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood will help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. It is also essential to clean your chimney regularly to remove creosote that has been deposited and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and maintain the safety of the operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night However, precautions for safety must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly, left unattended or burned the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits can clog up the flue and decrease the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace to not work as effectively.

Do not burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, at a safe distance away from your stove or fireplace. 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.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood burning stoves near me has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned is darker and has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked and with the top partially covered but still permitting air circulation around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for indications of wear. This could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for a fire, but shouldn't be used beyond that. These softer woods have sap and resin which when burned, releases excessive creosote inside the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is an ideal method to relax during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you to avoid any problems. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely it forms creosote in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to completely burn, including dampers that have not been properly closed and cracks in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece Wood burner clearance sale is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The resulting water vapor is then absorbed as creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to the walls. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gasses that ignite.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants Don't forget to scatter them across the yard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your chimney and woodburning fireplace on a regular basis. The technician will be able to 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 two-stage fireplace that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your specific unit.