5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only comforting and mesmerising they're also a vital aspect of our wellbeing and health. But, they have to be hot and clean for them to function properly.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content, making it easier to ignite and maintain a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire needs to be sufficiently hot to draw out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat from secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing emissions and smoke in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the type of fuel used and the conditions around it. The Best wood burning stoves method to reduce the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent.

The quantity of air delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on the energy output and time to burn. 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 slowed.

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

A firewood pile that is well-dried is also essential for efficient wood burning. If wood is cut fresh and hasn't had the chance to dry out it will have a high levels of water, which can be difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only wood that is seasoned and has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.

Another consideration is the BTU content of various types of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means they will produce more heat for the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to think about your heating needs and the cost of fuel when choosing your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood burns.

Smoke from poorly-designed wood burners near me stoves and fire places could cause poor air quality outside by reducing visibility and contributing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves that incorporate modern combustion technology when used correctly can drastically reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - The vaporization of moisture: As the wood warms it releases water vapour which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would if the log was seasoned to dry prior to burning. This wastes energy which could be used to heat your home.

The vapors in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, if properly used, can greatly reduce this problem by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gases, as well as producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to ignite your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates 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 which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and wait until they cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them correctly as ashes can ignite if exposed to water, and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to utilize them in your garden or around the house.

Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to remove creosote that has been deposited and other particles and also to prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of your operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to while away chilly winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires are built incorrectly or left unattended, or if they are burned, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote can also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to run less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted garbage in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They could release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gases. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause fires in chimneys that can cause emissions to rise and produce toxic creosote.

Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items in a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Never hang clothing on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Make sure that children understand 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 during the summer months to decrease moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. Seasoned wood is darker and has cracks along the ends of the grain and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked and with the top covered but allowing air circulation to them.

Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner regularly 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 constructing a hot fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are good for starting your fire up and running, but should not be used for anything more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

Warming up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to spend winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits from your fire. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace can help you avoid any issues. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote is accumulated, it can lead to chimney fires. They are the second most common cause of fires in homes across the United States. The failure of a fire to fully burn is caused by a number of factors 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.

Creosote may build up excessively when cheap wood burning stoves isn't properly seasoned. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece of wood is water. This water boils during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that is produced then condenses into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is another harmful byproduct from burning freestanding wood burning stove. Soot is less brittle than creosote, but it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It also poses an ignition hazard since it is easily ignited when exposed to gasses that ignite.

You should remove the ashes and put them in an ash bucket made of metal, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as sources of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and 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, you should remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your particular unit.