Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic way to warm the interior of a house. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote.
A damper is an essential part of maintaining a good combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash produce less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a stunning feature, creating a warm and cozy environment. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney and installation may significantly impact the effectiveness of the appliance.
The primary fuel for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is usually purchased in a face or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" in order to decrease its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet it will not burn as efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions.
A wood burning fireplace requires a significant investment both in money and time to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to purchasing a huge quantity of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's operating properly and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires.
The smoke from wood-burning fireplaces is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems such as heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves employ a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. To ensure modern wood burning stove need a properly sized chimney as well as installation of a flue lining. It is essential to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, causing a dangerous situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also store their firewood far away from the home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil ambience. log burning stoves near me can be used for primary or supplemental heating, and could qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors, toxins and can adversely affect the air quality in the home.
When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven, or kiln, to eliminate all moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire, clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into an aluminum bin. Make use of a brush or a brush to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside of the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that are created. To keep your furniture safe from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a mask to ensure you don't breathe in any soot or ash particles.
Begin by filling up a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix the mixture well, then employ a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors using an approved glass cleaner for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood as well as the roar of a fire roaring and the cozy feeling they provide have stood the test of time. Many people look for this feature when purchasing fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can cause lung damage. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. Many prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes.
There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can choose to use recycled wood to give it a rustic look or you could opt to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also include an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will make a functional and fun feature in your home.
You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as it looks great and goes with most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white, which opens up the space and creates light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that is compatible with many different styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also known as greige, to highlight this style and its versatility.
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 concerns if they're not maintained and operated properly. They release smoke that has fine particles of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release hazardous 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 inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is working properly. A clean, well-functioning flue helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. Be sure to keep flammable objects like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to install cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air through the home so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to avoid them accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. As much ash can limit the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce combustion efficiency, which also results in 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 front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can get burned. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others can be hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" is recommended around the fireplace to prevent children accidentally coming into contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is a good idea too particularly if you own a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and accumulate when the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning properly.
It is also important to verify the local, state and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These may include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often aimed at reducing pollution in the air and are in place to safeguard public health.