Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a home like the crackle of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous creosote build-ups.
The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is a crucial element of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash produce less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a stunning design, generating warm and inviting ambience. They aren't energy efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if not maintained in a timely manner. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may greatly affect the effectiveness of the unit.
The primary fuel for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which can be purchased in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it needs to be "seasoned", to reduce its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp it will not burn as efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a whole year dependent on the weather and the conditions of the climate.
Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained properly. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials aren't stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections help to reduce the risk of room and chimney fires.
Smoke from wood-burning stoves is a source of fine particle pollution which can damage the lungs and cause serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the atmospheric depletion ozone as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that alter the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during firing. They also require a proper size chimney as well as flue liner to maximize performance. It is also important to purchase seasoned firewood, and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire, as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also store their firewood far away from their homes.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A fireplace that is dirty can release harmful odors and toxic substances, which can affect the air quality in your home.
The most important thing to remember when using a fireplace made of wood is to always make use of dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven or kiln, to remove all moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that is split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before dumping them in an aluminum bin. Using the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other debris that has accumulated around the fireplace.
When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot produced. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles.
Begin by filling an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible stains are eliminated from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, clean off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy feel create a cozy ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be great for heating your home, but they also emit harmful gasses. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that could cause lung damage. It is important to have a system that can remove these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are many ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can paint it to be in line with the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also add an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will create an attractive and functional feature for your home.
You can also alter your chimney's color. The most popular color is black, which is beautiful and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a fresh, airy atmosphere. wood burning stove near me is a different option that is compatible with many different styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners even mix beige and gray together called greige to highlight this versatility and aesthetic.
The best way to make a fireplace look less old fashioned or obtrusive is to paint it to match the walls around it. This can be done in a deep neutral that is on-trend, like grey, or a warm and earthy tone such as brick or terracotta red. The idea is to create a unified space that does not draw attention to itself, but rather blends in with the rest of the room. If you are unsure about which colour to go for, you can always ask a professional for advice.
Safety
If not maintained and operated in a safe manner If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They release fine particles that can enter deep into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane.
A wood stove's flue should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it's functioning properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is getting worn out the flue liner should be replaced or repaired right away. It is also important to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable items. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation, which allows warm air through the house to ensure that it doesn't rush back up the chimney.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to prevent them from blocking airflow and accumulating too deeply. Too much ash can restrict the oxygen supply to the logs and decrease the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or other noncombustible container.
Be sure to keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly if there is glass on the front. They can get burns by touching the hot surfaces during and after a fire. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace like brushes, pokers, log lifers and shovels, are dangerous for kids to handle. To prevent children from getting into the fireplace accidentally it is recommended that an "safety area" of three feet should be set up around it.
Installing modern wood burning stove for carbon monoxide and detector in the house is a good idea too especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not working properly, and is poisonous to breathe.
It is also essential to check the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules regarding odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often focused on reducing pollution in the air and are in place to safeguard public health.