Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the crackle of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous build-ups of creosote.
A damper is an important element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The type of firewood used can make a difference, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning feature that creates a warm ambience and also heat. They are not energy-efficient and could cause air pollution if not maintained in a timely manner. The kind of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can greatly affect the overall effectiveness of the appliance.
The primary fuel 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 burning firewood, it needs to be "seasoned", to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp, it won't burn efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, based on the weather and the climate.
A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment both in money and time to maintain it properly. In addition, to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, operates well, and that there is no combustible material is stored near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove contains fine particle pollution, which can cause lung damage and cause serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants like volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To optimize performance, these stoves require a properly sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is also crucial to buy seasoned firewood and beware of the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire as it can cause fire to become too hot and lead to a hazardous situation. Additionally homeowners should keep their firewood outside of the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that creates a relaxing ambience. They can be used for primary or supplementary heat sources and may qualify for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release harmful odors and toxic substances, which can affect the quality of air in your home.
The most important thing to remember when using a wood fireplace is to use dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is recommended only to burn clean and seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before placing them in an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. Utilizing a dust pan or whisk broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that will be created. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. Wear a mask to ensure that you don't breathe in soot or ash particles.
Begin by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a clean damp cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanliness then use glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a look that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. The rustic look of fireplaces made of wood as well as the roar of a burning fire and the cozy feeling they give have stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that many people look for when looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home.
There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can paint it to be in line with the style of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also build an edifice of stone that leads to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which is beautiful and is a perfect match for most homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which opens up the space and creates bright and airy environment. Gray is a third option that works well with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, which is also known as greige to celebrate this 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 fireplaces wood burning stoves are unsure about which colour to go for, you can always ask a professional for advice.
Safety
Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety concerns if they're not properly maintained and operated. They release smoke, which is a fine particle of pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs to cause lung diseases and other health problems. They also release dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue will help to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue's is showing signs of wear, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable items, such as drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air throughout the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to avoid them becoming a block to airflow and then accumulating too deeply. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or another noncombustible container.
Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass on the front. Children can be burned by touching the hot surfaces during and after a fire. In addition, the different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, pokers, log lifers, and shovels, can be unsafe for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" must be set up around the fireplace to avoid children accidentally coming into contact with it.
It is an excellent idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, particularly in the case of wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't working properly, and is poisonous to breathe.
Finally, it is important to verify the state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.