Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not only relaxing and captivating, but they're a critical element of our health and well-being. But, they must be clean and hot for them to function properly.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Kiln dried, or seasoned wood has a lower moisture content and is therefore easier to light and keep burning.

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off water and reach temperatures that exceed 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the most important step in efficiently burning fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the conditions in the environment. The best method to reduce the variation is to use well-seasoned firewood that has less than 20%.

The amount of air that is delivered to a fire will also have an important impact on the heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is not sufficient a wood fire will produce less heat and will burn slower.

To ensure maximum 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 use up all oxygen available and quickly exhaust the supply of usable fuel. The reverse is true for an area that is limited to a small area in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A firewood pile that has been properly dried is essential for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water which makes it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to consider. White pine and spruce might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark and hickory as well as black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll generate more heat with the same amount of wood. It is crucial to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can trigger indoor wood burning stove air pollutants, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. When firewood is burned and smolders, volatile tars like creosote can also be released.

Smoke from old, poorly designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality by decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly however modern combustion technology in clean-burning wood stoves and fire places can reduce these emissions.

Stage 1 - Vaporization moisture: As the wood heats it releases water vapour, which escapes through the chimney flue. This takes more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use warming your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles and form smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is among the main sources of smog we see on clear days.

If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can lessen the problem by converting the logs to charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and generates most of the energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp, sour or decayed wood to ignite your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Also, don't overburden your stove with soft and thin wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke which can cause chimney fires.

Use a metal bucket to scoop up ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes correctly. They can re-ignite when exposed to water and are hazardous in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home.

Properly properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood properly will save you money on fuel and keep your stove working efficiently. It is also crucial to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's difficult to beat a warm fireplace on a chilly winter night however, safety precautions must be taken. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, inhibit airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can emit toxic fumes, such as carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, lighter fluid, and kerosene may cause chimney fires, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.

Keep combustible materials like curtains, furniture and toys, a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Don't hang clothing close to or on your fireplace with wood burning. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried through the summer to reduce the moisture content. The wood that is damp produces more smoke and creosote, however, seasoned logs burn more efficiently and cleanly. The wood that has been seasoned is darker and cracks appear along the ends of the grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Keep your wood outside, neatly stacked with the top covered, but permitting air circulation around them.

Be cautious not to over-load your fireplace or stove, as overloaded appliances generate more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with a lining made of metal, you should inspect the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA recommends using split, dry and well-seasoned wood in order to minimize smoke in your home. Make a fire using small wood burning heater pieces. Avoid soft woods such as pine. Pine is a great starting material for an open flame, but should not be used beyond that. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create an excessive amount of creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is an ideal way to warm up during the cold winter nights. It is essential to maintain the fireplace to make the most of it. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This prevents excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clean for maximum efficiency.

If wood doesn't completely burn and creosote builds up in the chimney. When a lot of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires. They are the second most common causes of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a number of causes, including improperly closed dampers or cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood isn't properly prepared. Water can make up half of the weight of a wood piece. During the fire it boils and releases heat, but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then condensed as creosote or released into the atmosphere as part of the smoke.

Another harmful byproduct of burning wood is soot. Soot is more pliable than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace, and block air circulation. It is also an hazard to fire because it is easily ignited when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and store them in an ash bucket made from metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also serve 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 chimney and fireplace on a regular basis. The technician can look for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst should be removed and checked visually for blockages. Check your user manual for directions on how to accomplish this for the particular unit you have.