5 Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

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

wood burning fires (sneak a peek here) are not only comforting and mesmerising, but they're a critical part of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot in order to work effectively.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has low moisture content and is more easy to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most important step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a a moisture content of less than 20% to limit these variations.

The quantity of air being provided to a flame will also have a significant impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available, the faster the fire will burn. A wood fire will produce less energy and burn at a slower rate when the air supply is limited.

To maximize burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. A wide-open setting permits the fire to consume all the oxygen available and will quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. A fire that is contained in a small wood burning stove space is less likely to spread.

A firewood load that is well-dried is also crucial for efficient wood burning. Freshly cut wood that isn't dried will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine month.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. For example white pine or spruce trees might be cheaper than eastern hardwoods such as black locust or shagbark, but the BTU values of the latter are much more, meaning they offer more heat for 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 can create indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory distress in seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burned.

Smoke from old, poorly designed wood stoves and fireplaces can contribute to poor outdoor air quality by reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor which escapes up the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to warm your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is among the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If used properly Wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can help reduce the risk of this issue by converting the logs to a charcoal-like state, which releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and generates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They could ignite again if exposed to water, and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or around the home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and ensure that your stove is running efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote and particulates as well as other debris that has been deposited. This can also stop chimney fires as well as maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fireplace in the winter cold, but precautions for safety should be taken. When fires aren't properly built or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes could be released into the home, and potentially dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, block the flow of air and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.

Never burn treated, painted, or household trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They release toxic gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, do not use explosive liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene could cause chimney fires that can cause emissions to rise and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles, like furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance away from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your conservatory wood burner burning fireplace. Make sure your children are aware that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the end grain, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.

The appliances that are overloaded generate more smoke and less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests using split, dry, and well-seasoned wood to minimize the amount of smoke that your home produces. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a good 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 excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm flame in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. But, it is essential to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. These are the second leading cause of house fires across the United States. A variety of issues could contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that have not been properly closed or damaged in the chimney liner and a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes the buildup of creosote in excess. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor produced then condenses into creosote and is released into the air as a part of smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, though less dense than creosote, is able to block airflow and stick to walls. It is also an ignition risk since it ignites easily when exposed to combustible gases.

Take the ashes out of your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. Don't forget that the remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!

It is recommended to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are examined by a Regency Dealer certified. 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 double-stage fireplace with an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for any blockages. Consult your user's manual for directions on how to do this for the particular unit you have.