Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous build-ups of creosote.
The airflow can be controlled by dampers which is a crucial element of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides warmth. However, best wood burning stove are not efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The condition and the quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could be a major factor in the efficiency of your entire system.
The primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Before using firewood, it should be "seasoned" in order to decrease its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is too wet, it will not burn effectively and may cause lots of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a whole year, depending on weather and the climate.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in both time and money to keep it running properly. Apart from purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the chance of fires in chimneys and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove contains fine particle pollution, which can damage the lungs and cause serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases toxic air pollutants like nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the earth's climate.
Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use an additional combustion process to limit the production of harmful emissions during firing. To maximize performance they require an appropriately sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is essential to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also store their firewood away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors and toxins, and can affect the quality of air within the home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is essential to use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven or kiln, to remove all moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that has been split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to use.
Before lighting a flame, 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 placing them in an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. With the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that has accumulated around the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that are created. You should clear a working space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. You should also wear a mask to keep from breathing in any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to wipe and wash the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanness then employ the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a look that modern gas or propane fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic look, crackling sound of a burning fire and their cozy ambience provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that can harm your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to help get rid of these toxins. This is the reason why many prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design to reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique attractive. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic look. You can also add an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will create an attractive and functional feature for your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a light airy ambience. Gray is a popular choice that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige together, known as greige, to show their flexibility 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
Wood burning fireplaces can cause serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They release smoke, which contains fine particle pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs, causing lung ailments and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane.
A wood stove's flue should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it is working as it should. A clean and functioning chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue's liner is becoming worn, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also important to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, which includes curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air around the house so it doesn't go back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to avoid them blocking the airflow and accumulating too deeply. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a metal bucket or any other non-combustible container.
Be sure to keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly when there is glass on the front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The various tools used to maintain fireplaces, such as pokers, shovels, log lifers and brushes are also dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" must be set up around the fireplace to avoid children coming in contact with it.
Installing an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector in the house is also a great idea particularly if you own wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may accumulate when the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning properly.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the state, local, and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These rules could include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.