Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the sound of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous build-ups of creosote.
The airflow can be controlled by a damper and is an essential element in maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are an attractive feature that creates a warm ambience and also warmth. However, they are not energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The condition and the quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could significantly affect the efficiency of your entire system.
Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Firewood must be "seasoned" to lower the water content and increase the energy density prior to its use. If the wood is too moist it will not burn as efficiently and could cause many creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a full year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in both time and money to maintain it properly. Apart from purchasing a large quantity of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections will help reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove is a source of fine particle pollution which can cause lung damage and cause serious health issues, including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can impact the climate of the earth.
Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ secondary combustion to minimize 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 lined. It is essential to use 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. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also store their firewood far away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors, toxins and can negatively affect air quality in the home.
The most important thing to remember when burning a fireplace made of wood is to make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup and soot. Kiln dried wood is treated in an oven or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is recommended only to burn clean, seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and stacked for a few months before use.
Before lighting a flame, take the ashes off the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into an aluminum waste bin to be disposed of. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that can be accumulated. You should clear a working area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any ash or particles of soot.
Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into 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 a clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves that burn wood.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern propane or gas fire places can't match. The rustic look of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they provide have stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people seek when they are looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that can cause lung damage. It is essential to have an effective system that can remove these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. Many prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases in their 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 wood to give it an even more rustic look. You can also add a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, creating a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also change your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as it looks stunning and is compatible with the majority of homes. outdoor wood burning stove can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a light, airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular choice that is compatible with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners 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
If they are not maintained and operated correctly, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can get into the lungs to cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue in a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is working as it should. A clean, efficient flue helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue's is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired immediately. Be sure to keep flammable objects, such as drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air around the home so it doesn't go back up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to prevent them from building up too deep and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply for logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of metal or other noncombustible container.
Children should be kept out from the area around the fireplace, especially when it has glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could get burned. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, pokers, log lifers and shovels, are unsafe for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" must be set up around the fireplace to prevent children accidentally coming into contact with it.
It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, particularly when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't functioning correctly, and it is harmful to breathe.
It is also important to verify the local, state and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations might include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.