5 Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires (Dalton-Lowry-2.Thoughtlanes.Net) Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood, has an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is therefore easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at around 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the first step in efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is dependent on the type of fuel and the conditions of the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.

In addition, the amount of air that is supplied to a fire can significantly impact its heat output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency To maximize the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a small woodburners area in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A well-dried firewood load is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will have a high water content 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 the best performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different kinds of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they'll generate more heat with the same amount of wood. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo-a-pyrene, which are carcinogenic. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

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. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern wood burning stove technology for combustion, when properly used can significantly reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the log heats it releases water vapour that escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. This is a waste of energy that could be used to heat your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when utilized correctly, can dramatically reduce the risk of this by converting the logs into a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Also, don't overload your stove with thin and soft wood like pine or fir It takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote and particulates as well as other debris that is deposited. This can also stop chimney fires and keep your chimney operating safely.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter nights, but the right safety precautions are required. If fires are not constructed correctly, left unattended or burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote also builds up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow and cause your wood stove or furnace to operate less efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household garbage, rags, paper and other combustible materials in your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Do not use the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Only use wood that is seasoned in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when it is tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that can cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with very small wood burning stove pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running however should not be used for anything other than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter evenings. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could develop. This prevents the accumulation of creosote buildup and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not completely burn. When a lot of creosote is accumulated it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of causes such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to the buildup of creosote in excess. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as part of smoke.

Another harmful side effect of burning wood is soot. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can cling to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It could also pose a fire hazard because it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gasses.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube, the catalyst should be removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your particular unit.