Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the sound of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote.
Airflow can be controlled with a damper which is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are an attractive design that creates a cozy ambience and also warmth. They aren't energy efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if they are not maintained correctly. The quality and condition of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could be a major factor in the overall efficiency.
The main fuel source for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" in order to decrease the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp, it won't burn efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a year or more, depending on the weather and climate conditions.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a substantial investment in terms of both time and money to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to purchasing a huge quantity of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires.
The smoke from a wood-burning fire place has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health problems, including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that influence the earth's climate.
Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use secondary combustion to reduce the generation of harmful emissions when firing. These stoves also require a suitable sized chimney and installation of a flue liner to optimize performance. It is crucial to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, creating a risky situation. In addition, homeowners should store their firewood outside of the home to prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other forms of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors, toxins and can negatively affect air quality inside the home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven, or kiln, to eliminate all of its moisture content. It is recommended to only use clean and seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and then stacked for several months before use.
Before lighting a fire, remove ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside the flame.
When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dust and soot that will be generated. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. You should also wear a mask to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles.
Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix the solution well, and then use a nylon brush scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a dry, clean cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanness you can use the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a burning fire and their warm feel provide a warm and inviting ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing a fireplace.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can cause lung damage. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place that can assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. Many prefer zero clearance designs for wood-burning fireplaces since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes.
There are many ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can choose to use recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or you could opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also build a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which is an interesting and practical feature in your home.
You can also change your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as it looks fantastic and works with the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white, which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, which is also known as greige, to show the aesthetic and flexibility.
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
Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They emit fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it's working properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can help keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Keep flammable materials, such as drapes, curtains, and other flammable objects, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm indoor air throughout the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to prevent them from blocking the airflow and becoming too large in size. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply for logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. wood burning stove for sale can be stored in a container made of metal or another noncombustible container.
Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they may be burned. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes, and others, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" should be established around the fireplace to avoid children accidentally coming into contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is a good idea too, especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't functioning correctly, and it is poisonous to breathe.
It is also essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.