5 Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean
The warmth and ambiance of wood-burning fires are not just soothing and enchanting but also essential to our health and well-being. They must be hot and clean to work.
Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content that makes it challenging to burn and light efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it easier to light and maintain a fire.
Efficient Combustion
The wood fire must be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures over 540 deg F. 800 deg F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary step to efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.
It is vital to realize that the temperature needed for secondary combustion is contingent on the type of fuel and the surrounding conditions. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce the variations.
Additionally, the amount of air supplied to the fire can have a significant impact on the amount of heat produced and burn time. The more oxygen available, the more hot the fire will burn. If the supply of air 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 the efficiency and time of burn, a wood stove or fireplace insert must be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire to take all the oxygen it needs and will quickly draw down the fuel supply. A fire that is contained within the confines of a small area is less likely to spread.
A well-dried firewood load is also essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to use only well-seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for the best performance.
The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. White pine and spruce may be less expensive than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, but their BTU values are greater. This means they'll generate 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 air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and can cause respiratory distress, especially for children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo-a-pyrene and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is smuggled into the air, volatile tars such as creosote can also be released.
Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places could contribute to poor air quality in the outside by making it harder to see and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however, modern technology for combustion in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would when the log was dried to dry prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be put to use to heat your home.
These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles, resulting in smoke. Smoke is one of the major contributors to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog that we see on clear days.
If properly used Wood stoves and fireplaces that use clean burn technology can help reduce the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like states, which releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of the energy produced by the log as usable heat.
Avoid using damp or sour wood for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and creates a lot more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Also, don't overburden your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes are cool before handling them. Be sure to store or dispose of them in a safe manner since ashes could ignite in the presence of water and they can be hazardous in landfills. Instead, make sure to make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and properly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. It is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles as well as to avoid chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
Safety
There's nothing like a warm fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, but proper safety precautions are essential. If fires are not constructed correctly and left unattended or burnt and a dangerous gas can be released into the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits could block the chimney and restrict the flow of air, making your furnace or wood stove not to work as efficiently.
Do not burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning oven or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gasses. Avoid using liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and cause toxic creosote.
Keep combustibles such as furniture curtains, toys, and other items at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your fireplace that is wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is very hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to reduce the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote while seasoned logs burn more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when tapping. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but permitting air circulation around them.
Be aware not to overload your stove or fireplace as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Overloaded fires can also generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal liner, check it frequently for signs of wear. very small wood burner could lead to a chimney fire.
Recommended Reading recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and constructing a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using softer woods such as pine, which are good starting material to get your fire up and running, but shouldn't be used for more than that. These softer woods contain sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
A warm evening in front of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to avoid problems that may arise. This prevents the accumulation of creosote accumulation and ensures that the chimney is clean for maximum efficiency.
Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood does not burn completely. If small woodburners of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires which are the second most common cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to completely burn, including dampers that are not properly sealed, cracks in the chimney liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and ash removal.
Creosote can build up excessively when wood is not properly treated. This is because 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 during the process. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into creosote, or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.
Soot is another noxious byproduct of burning wood. Soot is softer than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It also poses a fire hazard because it is a natural igniter when exposed to combustible gases.
The ashes should be removed and place them in a metal ash bucket, which you should keep outside on a nonflammable surface. The Ash can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants So don't forget to scatter them across the backyard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check 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 chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually inspected for blockages. Check your user's manual to learn how to do this for your particular unit.