Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires; 2Ch-Ranking.Net, Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital aspect of our health and wellbeing. They must be hot and clean in order to work.

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

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the wood must be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 degrees F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process begins. This is the first step to efficiently burning fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is vital to realize that the temperature required for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the conditions around it. Use seasoned firewood that has a moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.

The amount of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen that is available, the more hot the fire will burn. When the air supply is not sufficient the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a lower rate.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be fitted with an adjustable air damper. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as much.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry, it will have high water content, which could make it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for a period of six to nine months for optimal performance.

Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are higher. This means they'll produce more heat from the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and the fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke is a source of indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. 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 british wood burning stoves is burned the volatile tars like creosote are also released.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical smog. However, modern clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces that incorporate modern wood burning stove combustion technology when properly used can significantly reduce the emission.

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 had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in 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, if properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by burning the logs to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gases, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to light your fire. It's harder to burn and produces more creosote. Don't overload the stove with thin and soft woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop up ashes from the stove, and wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they are hazardous in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.

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

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night, but security precautions must be taken. When fires are improperly built or burned, or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog up the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your furnace or wood burning stoves uk stove not to function as effectively.

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

Keep combustibles, like furniture, curtains and toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know 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 out over the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, whereas mature logs are more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood is darker and cracks appear along the grain's end, and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered and allowing air to circulate around them.

Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it regularly for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests using split, dry and well-seasoned Wood Burning Stoves to minimize smoke in your home. Create a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for the fire, but it shouldn't be used more than. These woods with resin and sap that when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is the perfect way to enjoy the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most out of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. If a significant amount of creosote builds up it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. There are a variety of factors that can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote and released into the air as part of the smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot, while softer than creosote can block airflow and stick to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

You should remove the ashes and place them in an ash bucket made of metal that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that ashes are a great source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your yard!

It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check 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 should have the catalyst removed and inspected visually for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.