Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating they're also a vital part of our wellbeing and health. They should be hot and clean to function.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by an excessive amount of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to ignite and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be sufficiently hot to draw out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 deg F ( 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) in ideal conditions) where the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficient combustion of the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and accumulation in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the environment. The best way to limit the variation is to use seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20%.

The amount of air that is supplied to a fire will also have a significant impact on the energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is limited, however a wood fire will produce less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To ensure maximum burn time and efficiency to maximize efficiency and burn time, a wood stove fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting allows the fire to take all the oxygen it can get and quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A load of firewood that has been dried properly is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been dried will contain high levels of water which makes it difficult to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine month.

The BTU content of wood is another factor to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, but their BTU numbers are higher. This means that they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is why it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke produces indoor wood burning stove air pollutants that irritate the lungs and can 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. When firewood is smuggled into the air 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 reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and freestanding wood burning stove stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used properly, can greatly reduce the 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 had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.

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

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce this problem by converting the wood to a charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing the majority of the energy in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and creates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with soft and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and produce more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to remove ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Keep or dispose of ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your contemporary wood burners properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove functioning efficiently. It is also important to clean your chimney regularly to remove deposited creosote and particulate matter and also to prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fire in the winter cold However, security precautions should be taken. If fires are not constructed correctly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the chimney and restrict airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove not to work as effectively.

Never burn painted or treated wood, household trash paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Also, avoid using the flammable liquids to ignite fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene may cause chimney fires which can increase emissions and cause toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, in a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing near or on the fireplace that is burning wood. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The freestanding wood burning stove that has been seasoned has been dried out over the summer months to reduce moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Wood that is seasoned looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapped. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top wood burning stoves partially covered but still allowing air circulation to them.

Be aware not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that 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 using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good fuel for a fire, but shouldn't be used more than. These softer woods have resin and sap that, when burnt, deposits excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is crucial to maintain the fireplace to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you avoid any issues. This prevents the build-up of creosote and helps keep the chimney clean to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote is a dark and crusty flammable substance that forms in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a substantial amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. A variety of issues could cause a fire to burn completely, including dampers that are not properly sealed or damaged in the chimney liner, and an absence of regular cleaning and the removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood causes an excessive buildup of creosote. This is due to the fact that up to half of the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire the water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy in the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed as creosote and released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air circulation. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

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

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage fireplace which includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for your specific unit.