Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous build-ups of creosote.
The airflow can be controlled by dampers, and this is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are an attractive feature that creates a warm ambience and also heat. However, they are not energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can significantly affect the effectiveness of the appliance.
Firewood is the main fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Firewood must be "seasoned" to lower the water content and improve its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is damp it won't burn effectively and will result in a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a year dependent on the weather and the climate.
Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to maintain them correctly. In addition to purchasing a huge quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that combustible materials aren't stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections can reduce the chance of chimney fires 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 problems such as heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the atmospheric depletion ozone and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use a secondary combustion process to limit the production of harmful emissions during the firing. To optimize performance the stoves need a properly sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is crucial to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, causing a dangerous situation. To stop termite infestations, homeowners should also store their firewood away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and may qualify you for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxic odors and toxins, which can affect the quality of air in your home.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning in a wood fireplace is to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven, or kiln to remove all moisture content. It is best to only burn clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and stacked for a few months before use.
Before lighting navigate to this site , clean up the ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into the bin made of metal. Make use of a brush or a brush to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that will be created. You should clear a 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 with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix the solution well, and then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as the areas around your fireplace, clean it off with a clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness, make use of a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy feel provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has stood the test of time. Many people look for this feature when buying fireplaces.
Wood-burning fireplaces are great to heat your home, but they also emit harmful gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. It is important to have a system to eliminate these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for wood burning fireplaces, as they reduce the amount 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 use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel or you could opt to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will make an attractive and functional feature for your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which looks stunning and complements the majority of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the space and creates bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular choice that is compatible with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to 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
If not maintained and operated correctly, wood burning fireplaces can pose serious safety risks. They release smoke, which contains fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs, causing lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean, functioning flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired immediately. Keep flammable materials, such as drapes, curtains, and other flammable objects, 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.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to keep them from blocking airflow and building up too much. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply for logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or a similar noncombustible container.
Children should be kept out from the fireplace particularly when it has a glass front. They can get burns if they touch the hot surfaces while they are in the fire. In addition, the many different tools used to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, pokers, log lifers, and shovels, are dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" must be set up around the fireplace to stop children accidentally coming into contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is a good idea too particularly if you own a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't working properly, and is poisonous to breathe.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules for nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and limits on visible emissions or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.