Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires
From Dark Warriors Wiki
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 health and wellbeing. They should be hot and clean in order to be effective.
Green wood, or unseasoned wood is characterized by a high moisture content, making it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to ignite and keep a flame.
Efficient Combustion
A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out water and reach temperatures that are above 540 degrees F ( 800 deg F in ideal conditions) where the heat-producing secondary combustion process starts. This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote accumulation in the flue.
It is crucial to understand that the temperature required for secondary combustion is contingent on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. Choose firewood that is well-seasoned and has less than 20% to reduce the variations.
In addition, the amount of air that is pumped into the fire can greatly affect its heat output and burn time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is insufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn slower.
A wood burning stove for shed stove or fireplace insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to consume all the oxygen available and quickly exhaust the fuel available for use. The reverse is true for the fire that is restricted to a very small wood burner area where the fire is unable to expand as much.
A well-dried load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. When wood is cut just recently and hasn't had a chance to dry it will have a high water content that may make it difficult for logs to burn. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you only use seasoned wood that has been stored outdoors for six to nine months.
Another thing to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce might be more affordable than eastern hardwoods, such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll generate more heat from the same amount of wood. This is the reason it's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.
Clean Burning
Wood smoke can trigger indoor air pollution, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants comprise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo-a-pyrene, that can cause cancer. When wood is burned the volatile tars like creosote also get released.
Smoke from poorly-designed wood fireplaces and stoves can contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning fireplaces and wood stoves with modern combustion technology, when used properly, can greatly reduce the emissions.
Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This requires more energy than if the log was dried prior to burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.
In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to form smoke. Smoke is one of the main sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.
When used correctly Wood woodburning stoves and fireplaces that utilize clean burn technology can reduce the risk of this issue by burning the logs into charcoal-like conditions that releases less volatile gasses and produces the majority of the energy produced by the logs as usable heat.
Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It's more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Do not overload your stove with brittle and thin woods like fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.
Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them properly as ashes can ignite in the presence of water and they pose a risk in landfills. Instead, ensure that you make use of them in your garden or in the home.
Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure your stove runs efficiently. It is also crucial to clean your chimney regularly to get rid of creosote and particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.
Safety
It's hard to beat a warm fire in the winter cold however, safety precautions should be taken. If fires are not properly constructed or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes can escape into the house and creosote deposits may build up within the chimney. These deposits could block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to work as efficiently.
Do not burn treated, painted, or household garbage in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and create toxic gases. Do not use flammable liquids as a fire starter. Kerosene, gasoline and lighter fluids can increase emissions, produce toxic creosote, and even cause chimney fires.
Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys away from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood-burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is extremely hot and shouldn't be touched.
Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Woods that are damp emit more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. The wood that is seasoned appears darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a hollow sound when it is tapped. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.
Overloaded appliances produce more smoke, but less warmth. Fires that are overloaded can also create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has an aluminum liner, be sure to check it frequently for signs of wear. This can lead to an explosion in the chimney.
The EPA recommends reducing smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood and building a hot fire with small pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine, which are a great starting material to get your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything more than. These soft woods contain sap and resin which is a result of burning, and deposits too much creosote in the chimney.
Maintenance
Warming up in front of a wood burning stoves ideas-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter nights. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you get the most benefits from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This maintenance helps prevent excessive creosote accumulation and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.
If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. When a large amount of creosote accumulates it can result in chimney fires. These are the second most common cause of house fires across the United States. A number of issues can cause a fire to fail to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed and cracks in the chimney liner and an absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.
Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly prepared. This is due to the fact that up to half the weight of a piece wood is water. When the fire is burning it boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor that results is then absorbed 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, but it can cling to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It could also pose a fire hazard because it can ignite easily when exposed to combustible gases.
Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable surface. Don't forget that remains of the ashes are a good source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them out in your yard!
It is recommended that a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician can check for cracks, creosote and soot levels and a damper that is shut properly and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, you must remove the catalyst and inspected visually for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out the procedure for your particular unit.
