5 Killer Quora Answers On Wood Burning Fires

Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience They're also an essential aspect of our health and well-being. But, they must be hot and clean for them to function properly.

Green wood, or unseasoned wood, has high levels of moisture which makes it difficult to ignite and burn efficiently. The seasoned, or kiln dried wood has a low moisture content and is more easy to light and burn for longer.

Efficient Combustion

A cast iron wood burning stove fire has to be hot enough to push out moisture and reach temperatures of 540 degrees F ( The process of producing heat in secondary combustion starts at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the most crucial process for efficiently burning the fuel and minimizing pollutants, smoke, and creosote buildup in the flue.

It is crucial to understand that the temperature needed for secondary combustion depends on the kind of fuel used and the surrounding conditions. The best way to minimize the variation is to use seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent.

The quantity of air being provided to a flame can also have a significant impact on its heat output and burning time. The greater the oxygen supply, the hotter a fire can burn and the shorter its burn time. If the supply of air is limited, however the wood fire will produce less heat and will burn at a slower rate.

A fireplace or wood stove insert that has an adjustable air damper will increase the burn time and efficiency. The wide-open setting gives the fire to get all the oxygen it needs and will quickly drain the fuel supply. This is not the case with a fire that is confined to a small area where the fire is unable to expand as far.

A well-dried load of firewood is also essential to efficient wood burning. Wood that is freshly cut and hasn't been allowed to dry will have a high water content, making it difficult to burn. For the best performance it is recommended you use only seasoned wood that has been stored outside for six to nine month.

Another consideration is the BTU content of different types of wood. White pine and spruce could be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like shagbark, hickory, and black locust, however their BTU values are greater. This means that they'll generate more heat with the same amount of wood. It's important to consider your heating needs and fuel costs when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning

Wood smoke creates indoor air pollutants that can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory distress, especially for seniors and children. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo-a pyrene and formaldehyde, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene. Volatile Tars (such as creosote) are also released when firewood is burnt.

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

Stage 1 - Moisture Vaporizes As the log heats up it releases water vapor, which escapes through the chimney flue. This consumes more energy than it would have had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This also wastes energy that could be put to use heating your home.

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

Fireplaces and wood stoves that use clean burn technology, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of this by converting the wood to charcoal state which releases much less volatile gasses, and producing most of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour cast iron wood burning stove for your fire - it's more difficult to burn and generates lots of creosote compared to well-seasoned wood. Avoid overburdening the stove with thin and soft woods such as fir or pine. They require more energy to burn and create more smoke, which can cause chimney fires.

Use a bucket made of steel to remove ashes from the stove, and always wait for them to cool before handling them. Be sure to keep them in a safe place or dispose of them correctly - ashes can reignite in the presence of water and they are hazardous in landfills. Instead, you should utilize them in your garden or around the home.

Properly storing, seasoning and burning your wood will save you money on fuel and will keep your stove working efficiently. Cleaning your chimney regularly is essential to eliminate creosote, particulates, and other deposited matter. This can also help prevent chimney fires and maintain safe operation.

Safety

There's nothing like a cozy fire to keep warm during cold winter evenings, however proper safety precautions are necessary. When fires aren't properly built or tended to, or left unattended, harmful fumes could be released into the house and creosote deposits can build up within the chimney. These deposits can clog the flue, impede airflow and cause your furnace or wood stove to operate less efficiently.

Never burn treated or painted waste in your wood-burning stove fireplace. They release toxic gases and can release toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide. Avoid using the flammable liquids for a fire starter. Gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluids can cause an increase in emissions, create toxic creosote and could cause chimney fires.

Keep combustibles such as furniture or curtains, as well as toys, at a safe distance from your fireplace or stove. Do not hang clothes on or near your wood burning fireplace. Children should be taught that the fireplace is hot and shouldn't be touched.

Only use seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace. The cheap wood burning stoves that has been seasoned has been dried over the summer months to decrease the moisture. Wet woods produce more smoke and creosote. On the other hand, mature logs are more efficient and clean. The wood that has been seasoned is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outside, neatly stacking them with the top covered, but allowing air circulation around them.

Be careful not to over-load your stove or fireplace because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and produce less heat. In addition, overloaded fires can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you own an older appliance with a metal lining, inspect the liner on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA recommends using dry, split and well-seasoned wood to help reduce the amount of smoke you breathe in your home. Make a fire using small pieces. Avoid using soft woods such as pine, which are good for starting your fire going however shouldn't be used for anything other than. These soft woods are brimming with sap and resin that when burned, create large amounts of creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful option to relax during winter evenings. It is crucial to maintain your fireplace to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your fireplace is the best method to avoid any issues that might arise. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

Creosote, a dark, hard, flammable substance that develops in the flue when wood doesn't burn completely. If a significant amount of creosote is accumulated, it can trigger chimney fires which are the second-leading cause of house fires in the United States. The failure of a fire to completely burn can be caused by a variety of causes, including improperly closed dampers and cracks in the chimney's liner and the absence of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote can build up excessively when wood isn't properly treated. Water can make up half of the weight of a wooden piece. The water boils during fire and releases heat. It also consumes energy. The water vapor resulting from the process is then condensed into 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 adhere to the walls of your fireplace, and block air flow. It can also be a fire risk because it can ignite easily when exposed to gasses that are combustible.

It is recommended to remove the ashes and store them in a metal ash bucket that you keep outside on a nonflammable surface. Don't forget that the dust is a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants. Spread them around in your backyard!

Regularly have your fireplace and chimney examined by a Regency Dealer certified. The technician can check for cracks, creosote levels, soot levels, a properly shut damper, and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage fireplace that has an air tube, you should have the catalyst removed and visually checked for obstructions. Check your user's manual to find out how to do it for your unit.