5 Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires

wood burners near me Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

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

Green, or unseasoned wood has a high moisture content which makes it difficult to light and burn efficiently. Kiln dried or seasoned wood has a low moisture content, making it much easier to light and keep a flame.

Efficient Combustion

A wood fire has to be hot enough to drive out moisture and reach temperatures above 540 deg F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the key step to efficient combustion of fuel and minimizing pollution and smoke that enters the flue.

It is important to note that the temperature required for secondary combustion varies based on the type of fuel used and the conditions of the environment. Use seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20% to minimize the variations.

Additionally, the amount of air that is supplied to the fire can greatly affect the amount of heat produced and burn time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn duration. When the air supply is limited, however the wood fire produces less heat and burn at a lower rate.

To increase the time of burning and efficiency, a wood stove or fireplace insert should be equipped with an adjustable air damper. The wide-open setting lets the fire all the oxygen it can get and will quickly exhaust the fuel supply. A fire that is contained in an area of limited size is less likely to spread.

A dry load of firewood is also crucial for efficient wood burning. If wood burning stove in conservatory is cut fresh and hasn't had time to dry out it will have a high water content, which may make it difficult for logs to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only wood that has been seasoned that has been stored outside for six to nine months.

Another factor to consider is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods such as shagbark, hickory and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they will produce more heat from the same amount of wood burning stove in conservatory. It's important to consider your heating requirements and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

corner wood burner smoke can create indoor air pollution, which can irritate lungs and cause respiratory discomfort in senior citizens and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds, such as benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

Smoke from older, poorly-designed fireplaces and wood stoves can contribute to poor outdoor air quality, reducing visibility and contributing to photochemical pollution. However, new, clean burning wood stoves and fireplaces equipped with modern technology for combustion, when used correctly can drastically reduce the emission.

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes: As the log gets heated, it releases water vapor, that escapes down the chimney flue. This is more energy-intensive than when the log was dried before burning. It also wastes energy that could be used for heating your home.

These vapors combine in the flue with carbon particles to produce smoke. Smoke is a major contributor to particulate matter in the air and is one of the major sources of smog that we see on clear days.

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

Avoid using damp, sour or rotten wood to light your fire. It is more difficult to burn and generates more creosote. Don't overload the stove with brittle and thin woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and generate more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of metal to scoop ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Dispose of or store ashes in a safe manner. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water, and are dangerous to dispose of in landfills. Make use of them in your garden or at home.

Properly conserving, securing and burning your wood correctly will save you money on fuel 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, as well as prevent chimney fires and maintain the safety of your operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to while away chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed, burned or left unattended, dangerous fumes can be released into the home and dangerous creosote deposits may build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and reduce airflow, causing your wood stove or furnace not to function as efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household trash paper, rags, or other combustible materials in your wood-burning stove or fireplace. They produce noxious gases and may release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide. Avoid using flammable liquids as a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, produce toxic creosote and possibly cause chimney fires.

Keep combustible objects, such as furniture, curtains, and even toys, at a safe distance from your stove or fireplace. Do not hang clothes near or on your fireplace with wood burning. Make sure your children know that the fireplace is extremely hot and should not be touched.

Use only seasoned wood for your stove or fireplace. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen moisture. Wet woods emit more smoke and creosote, whereas the wood that has been seasoned is more efficient and cleaner. Seasoned wood looks darker and cracks appear in the end grain, and is hollow when tapping. Store your wood outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered but allowing air circulation around them.

Be careful not to overload your fireplace or stove as appliances that are overloaded produce more smoke and produce less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner frequently for signs of wear and tear that could cause a chimney fire.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of smoke in your home by using dry, well-seasoned, split and dry wood, and then constructing a warm fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine. Pine is a good starter material for an open flame, but should not be used more than. These woods with softer sap contain and resin, which when burned, create large amounts of creosote into 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 crucial to maintain your fireplace in order to get the most enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best way to avoid any issues that might occur. This prevents the build-up of creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

If the wood doesn't fully burn, creosote forms in the chimney. If a large amount of creosote builds up it can cause chimney fires, which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to burn completely can be caused by a number of reasons, including improperly closed dampers, cracks in the chimney's liner, and a lack or regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Incorrectly seasoned wood contributes to an excessive buildup of creosote. This is because nearly half of the weight of a piece wood is water. The water is heated during the fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor that results is then condensed into creosote, or released into the air as part of the smoke.

Soot is a different harmful byproduct from burning wood. Soot, while softer than creosote, can impede airflow and stick to walls. It is also an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to combustible gases.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and put them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on an unflammable surface. The ashes can also be used as an energy source for plants, so don't forget to scatter them across the yard!

Regularly have your fireplace and chimney checked by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician will be able to look for cracks in the chimney, creosote and soot levels, a properly sealed damper, and the condition of your catalyst. If you have a two-stage chimney that includes an air tube the catalyst must be removed and visually checked for blockages. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do this for your particular unit.