Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience they're also a vital part of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot to work effectively.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel used and the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.

The amount of air that is provided to a flame will also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The higher the amount of oxygen available, the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.

A wood stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting allows the fire to get all the oxygen it can get and will quickly drain the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in a very small wood burner space is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that is well-dried is also vital for efficient wood burning. Wood that isn't dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce could be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means that they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. It is important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that irritate the lungs and trigger respiratory distress, particularly for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzo-a-pyrene, that are carcinogenic. When wood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote also get released.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. If properly used, however modern combustion technology in new clean-burning wood stoves and places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization of moisture: As the Corner Wood Burner warms, it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than if the log had been dried before burning. It also consumes energy that could be put to use warming your home.

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

Wood stoves and fireplaces with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce the risk of this by burning the logs to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Store or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are dangerous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home instead.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. Regularly cleaning your chimney is important to remove creosote and particulates as well as other deposited matter. This will also prevent chimney fires as well as ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night However, security precautions must be taken. When fires are improperly built, burned or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote accumulations can form inside the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household waste paper, rags, and other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide, and release toxic gases. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.

Keep flammable materials like furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to decrease the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs are more efficient and clear. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the grain's end and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Store your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.

Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance that has a metal lining, inspect the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to help reduce smoke in your home. Make a fire by using small pieces. Avoid using softer woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running however should not be used for anything more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you reap the maximum enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections of your fireplace will allow you avoid any issues. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

When wood doesn't burn completely, creosote forms in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a variety of factors such as dampers that are not properly sealed or cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up in large wood burning stove amounts when wood isn't properly seasoned. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood burning stoves on sale piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor created then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to the walls. It is also a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash container, which you should keep outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your backyard!

Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer Certified. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and visually checked for blockages. Consult your user manual to find out how to do this for your unit.