Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the roar of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to prevent the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts.
Airflow can be controlled using a damper which is an essential element in keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy ambience and also warmth. They aren't energy efficient and can contribute to air pollution if not maintained properly. The kind of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, the chimney system and installation can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of the unit.
Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") The wood must be "seasoned" to lower the water content and improve its energy density prior to use. If the wood is too moist it will not burn as efficiently and could cause a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a full year or more, depending on the weather and the climate.
Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to keep them correctly. In addition to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will reduce the chance of fires in chimneys and room fires.
The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues, including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that can alter the climate of the earth.
Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a suitable size chimney as well as a flue liner to optimize performance. It is important to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood away from their house to help prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors, toxins and can adversely affect the air quality within the home.
When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's essential to use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is recommended to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire, remove ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to taking them out of the metal waste bin to dispose of. With a dust pan or whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other stray debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that will be created. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed the walls and the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, clean down any glass doors using a glass cleaner that is safe for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a burning flame and their warm feel provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying fireplaces.
Wood-burning fireplaces are great to heat your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. used wood burning stoves for sale Fireplaces & Stove include carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well ventilated, it is essential to have an effective system in place that can aid in eliminating these harmful substances. This is why a lot of people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases present in your home.
There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can use recycled wood to give it a rustic look or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also build an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks great and goes with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a fresh, airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also referred to as greige to celebrate 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
If they are not maintained and operated in a safe manner, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. They release fine particles that can get into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove should be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure that it functions correctly. A clean, efficient flue will help to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is deteriorating, it should be replaced or repaired right away. Be sure to keep flammable objects like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm air through the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can impede the oxygen supply to the logs and decrease the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of metal or other noncombustible container.
Children should be kept away from the fireplace area especially if it has glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they may be burned. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace like pokers, log lifers and shovels can be unsafe for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" should be established around the fireplace to stop children coming in contact with it.
It is an excellent idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, particularly if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not operating properly, and is harmful to breathe.
It is also essential to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules for odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.