Five Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

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Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

small wood burning stove burning fires (mouse click on Hikvisiondb) are not only relaxing and captivating They're also an essential element of our health and well-being. They need to be warm and clean to work.

Green wood, also known as unseasoned wood has high levels of moisture, making it difficult to ignite and burn effectively. Seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a lower moisture content and is easier to ignite and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

The fire in the corner wood burner must be sufficiently hot to snuff out moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. 900 degrees F in ideal conditions) at which the secondary combustion process starts. This is the most crucial step to efficiently burning the fuel and reducing pollutants smoke, creosote, and buildup in the flue.

It is crucial to remember that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies with the type of fuel used and the environmental conditions. Make sure to use firewood that is seasoned and has a an average moisture content of less than 20% to reduce these variations.

The quantity of air being delivered to a fire will also have an important influence on its heat output and burning time. The more oxygen available the more hot a fire will burn and the shorter its burn time. A wood fire produces less energy and burn slower when the air supply is restricted.

A fireplace or Wood Burning Stoves stove insert with an adjustable air damper will increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide-open setting permits the fire to use up all oxygen available and will quickly use up the fuel available for use. This is not the case with the fire that is restricted to a smaller area in which the fire cannot expand as far.

A well-dried firewood load is also essential for efficient wood burning. When wood is freshly cut and hasn't had the chance to dry out, it will have high levels of water, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. It is recommended to use only 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 consider. For instance white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark hickory and black locust however the BTU values of the latter are more, meaning they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It is crucial to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollutants, which can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo-apyrene, can cause cancer. Volatile tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves could contribute to poor outdoor air quality, making it harder to see and contributing to photochemical smog. 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 when the log was dried prior to burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.

In the flue, these vapors combine with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog in the air.

If used properly when used correctly, wood stoves and fireplaces using clean burn technology can reduce this problem significantly by burning the logs into a charcoal-like state that releases less volatile gasses and generates the majority of energy from the log into usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and creates much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Do not overload your stove with thin and soft woods like pine or fir. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which could cause chimney fires.

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

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and ensure that your stove is operating efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is crucial to get rid of creosote, particulates and other debris that has been deposited. This will also prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.

Safety

It's hard to beat a warm fire on a chilly winter night however, precautions for safety must be taken. When fires are built incorrectly and left unattended or burnt, dangerous fumes can enter the home. Creosote may also build up in the chimney. These deposits can block the flue, block airflow, and cause your furnace or wood stove to work less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted trash in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They emit noxious gases and can release toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. Do not use liquids that are flammable as a starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can increase emissions, cause toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains and toys away from your stove or fireplace. Never hang clothing on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and should not be touched.

Only make use of seasoned wood for your fireplace or stove. Seasoned wood has been dried throughout the summer to decrease the moisture content. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote whereas seasoned logs burn much more cleanly and more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned appears darker and has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when tapped. Keep your logs outside stacked neatly, with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and less warmth. Overloaded fires may also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance that has 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 in your home by using dry, split and well-seasoned wood and building a hot fire using small woodburners pieces. Avoid using soft woods like pine. Pine is a great starter material for an open flame, but should not be used for more than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that burns, if burned, will create excessive creosote in the chimney.

Maintenance

A warm fire in a wood burning fireplace is a great method to relax during the cold nights of winter. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to get the most enjoyment of it. Regular inspections and cleaning of your fireplace will help you to avoid any problems. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear to ensure maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, crusty flammable material that forms in the flue when wood doesn't completely burn. If a significant amount of creosote accumulates, it can cause chimney fires, which are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. A number of issues can contribute to a fire's failure to burn completely, including dampers that are improperly closed, cracks in the chimney liner, and a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up excessively when wood is not properly prepared. This is because nearly half the weight of a piece of wood is water. In the course of a fire, this water boils and releases heat but it also consumes energy during the process. The water vapor produced is then absorbed into creosote, or is released into the air as part of smoke.

Soot is another harmful product of burning wood. Soot is less brittle than creosote. However, it can stick to the walls of your fireplace and impede air flow. It is also an ignition hazard since it is a natural igniter when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash container made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also serve as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to spread them out across the lawn!

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