5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

wood burning stoves uk Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be hot and clean to work effectively.

Green, or unseasoned wood burners for sale has high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary process for efficient combustion of the fuel while minimizing pollution, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

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

In addition, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. A wood fire produces less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

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

A load of firewood that has been dried properly is essential for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn't been dried will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months for optimal performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll generate more heat for the same amount of wood. It is important to take into account your heating needs and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

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

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern wood burning stove combustion technology in wood 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, which escapes through the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If used properly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like states, which 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 - it's more difficult to burn and creates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them and they produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or at the house.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is functioning efficiently. Cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates and other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are essential. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.

Do not burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustible objects like furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothes near your wood burning fireplace. Make sure your children know that the fire is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas mature logs are more efficient and clear. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.

Be careful not to overload your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance that has a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. This could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke inside your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin that burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most out of it. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wood piece. When the fire is burning the water boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The resulting water vapor is then condensed into creosote or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, although less dense than creosote, can impede airflow and adhere to walls. It could also pose a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal that you 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!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you must have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.