Notes

Five Killer Quora Answers To Wood Burning Fires
Wood Burning Fires Need to Be Hot and Clean

Wood burning fires are not just a relaxing and enchanting experience, but they're a critical aspect of our wellbeing and health. However, they must be clean and hot to function effectively.

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

Efficient Combustion

The wood fire should be sufficiently hot to burn off moisture and reach temperatures of over 540 deg F. The process of producing heat in secondary combustion begins at 900 degrees F (in ideal conditions). This is the primary process for efficiently burning the fuel while minimizing pollution smoke, creosote, and 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 conditions around it. The best way to limit the variations is to use well-seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%.

The quantity of air being supplied to a fire will also have an important impact on its energy output and time to burn. The more oxygen that is available, the hotter the fire will burn. If the supply of air is not sufficient, a wood fire produces less heat and burn at a slower rate.

A wood stove or fireplace insert that has an adjustable air damper can increase the time to burn and efficiency. A wide open setting allows the fire to use up all of its available oxygen and will quickly use up the fuel that is usable. The converse is true of a fire that is confined to a smaller area where the fire can not expand as far.

A firewood load that has been properly dried is crucial for efficient wood burning. Wood that hasn't been allowed to dry will contain a lot of water, making it difficult to burn. It is recommended to only use seasoned firewood that has been stored outdoors for between six and nine months for optimal performance.

The BTU content of wood is another aspect to take into consideration. For example white pine or spruce trees might be less expensive than eastern hardwoods like black locust or shagbark, however, the BTU values of the latter are higher, which means they provide more heat for the same amount of wood burned. It's important to take into account your heating requirements and the cost of fuel when selecting your firewood.

Clean Burning


Wood smoke can cause indoor air pollution that can cause irritation to the lungs and respiratory distress in children and seniors. These pollutants include volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as 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 burned.

Smoke from poorly designed wood stoves and fire places can contribute to poor air quality outside, decreasing visibility and causing photochemical pollution. If used properly, however modern combustion technology in new wood stoves that burn clean and in fire places can help reduce the emissions.

Stage 1 - Moisture vapourizes: As the log heats up, it releases water vapor that escapes down the chimney flue. This uses up more energy than it would had the log been seasoned to dry before burning. This is a waste of energy which could be used to warm your home.

These vapors mix in the flue with carbon particles to create smoke. Smoke is one of the major sources of particulate matter and smog that is found in the air.

Fireplaces and wood stoves equipped with clean burn technology, when properly used, can greatly reduce this issue by burning the logs to charcoal state, which releases far less volatile gasses, and creating the majority of the energy contained in the log from usable heat.

Avoid using damp or sour wood to fuel your fire as it is more difficult to burn and produces much more creosote than well-seasoned wood. Don't over-load your stove with thin and soft wood such as fir or pine It takes more energy to burn them, and they also produce more smoke that can cause chimney fires.

Always wait until the ashes have cooled before handling them. Dispose of or store the ashes properly. They are able to ignite again when exposed to water and can be hazardous in landfills. Use them in your garden or at home.

Storing, seasoning and correctly burning your wood can help you save money and keep your stove running efficiently. freestanding wood burner is also important to regularly clean your chimney to get rid of creosote and other particles, as well as prevent chimney fires and ensure the safety of the operation.

Safety

There's nothing better than a warm fire to warm up chilly winter nights, but the right safety precautions are necessary. If fires are not properly constructed or burned, or left unattended, hazardous fumes can escape into the home and dangerous creosote deposits can build up inside the chimney. These deposits can block the flue and decrease airflow, causing your furnace or wood stove to not work as effectively.

Never burn treated or painted wood, household garbage paper, rags, and other combustible materials inside your wood-burning fireplace or stove. They can release toxic fumes like carbon dioxide and produce toxic gasses. Also, do not use flammable liquids to start fires. Gasoline, lighter fluid and kerosene can cause fires in chimneys, increase emissions, and create toxic creosote.

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

Make sure to use only wood that has been seasoned for your fireplace or stove. The wood that is seasoned has been dried during the summer months to lessen the amount of moisture. Wood that is wet produces more smoke and creosote, whereas seasoned logs burn much more efficiently and cleanly. Seasoned wood is darker, has cracks along the end grain and sounds hollow when you tap it. Store your logs outdoors stacked neatly with the top covered, but allowing air to circulate around them.

Be cautious not to overload your fireplace or stove because overloaded appliances produce more smoke and less heat. Fires that are overloaded can also produce unsafe carbon monoxide levels. If you have an older appliance with an insulated metal liner, check the liner regularly for signs of wear and tear that could cause an explosion in the chimney.

The EPA suggests reducing the amount of 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 can be a good for starting your fire going however should not be used for more than that. These soft woods contain resin and sap, which when burned, releases excessive creosote into the chimney.

Maintenance

The warmth of a fireplace with wood is a great option to relax during winter evenings. However, it is important to maintain your fireplace in order to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your fire. Regular cleaning and inspection of your fireplace is the best method to prevent problems that could occur. This maintenance prevents excessive creosote and keeps the chimney clear for maximum efficiency.

the full details , 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 result in chimney fires. These are the second most frequent cause of house fires across the United States. The failure of a fireplace to completely burn can be caused by a variety of reasons including dampers that aren't properly closed and cracks in the chimney's liner as well as a lack of regular cleaning and removal of ash.

Creosote may build up in large amounts when wood isn't properly treated. Water can comprise half of the weight of a wooden piece. 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 a part of smoke.

Soot is a different harmful product of burning wood. Soot is more pliable than creosote, but it can adhere to the walls of your fireplace and block air flow. It also poses an ignition hazard since it easily ignites when exposed to gases that are combustible.

Remove the ashes from your fireplace and place them in an ash bucket made of metal. Keep it outside on a non-flammable area. The ashes can also be used as a source of nutrients for plants, so don't forget to spread them around the lawn!

You should have a Certified Regency Dealer inspect your fireplace and chimney regularly. The technician will look for cracks, creosote and soot levels as well as a properly shut damper and the condition of the catalyst. If you have a double-stage chimney that includes an air tube, it is recommended to have the catalyst removed and visually checked for obstructions. Refer to the user manual to find out how to do this for your fireplace.

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