Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid dangerous creosote buildup.
Airflow can be controlled with dampers which is an essential element in keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods such as oak and ash produce less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful feature, creating warm and inviting atmosphere. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the overall efficiency of the appliance.
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") It is essential to "seasoned" to reduce the water content and improve its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is damp it won't burn effectively and will create a lot creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a year dependent on the weather and the climate.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a substantial investment both in time and money to keep it running properly. In addition, to purchasing a large amount of firewood, owners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, is working correctly, and that there isn't any combustible materials close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections can help reduce the risk of chimney fires as well as room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particle pollution which can harm the lungs and cause serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other air pollutants that are toxic like volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can impact the earth's climate.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves use a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. To optimize performance they require the proper size chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is crucial to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, creating a risky situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also store their firewood far away from the home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can create a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release harmful odors and toxic substances which can negatively impact the quality of air in your home.
The most important thing to remember when burning a fireplace made of wood is to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven, or kiln, to eliminate all moisture content. It is best to only burn clean, seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to use.
Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool prior to placing them in an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from dirt, soot and dust that will be created. To protect your furniture from stains, you should clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask in order to keep from breathing in any ash or soot particles.
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 the mixture well, and then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use a clean damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, wipe off any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood as well as the roar of a fire burning and the cozy atmosphere they provide have stood the test time. This is one feature that a lot of people are looking for when they are looking for fireplaces.
Wood-burning fireplaces are great to heat your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes.
There are a variety of ways to make your fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give it a rustic look or you could opt to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also add an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, creating an interesting and practical feature in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which looks stunning and is a perfect match for most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular color that can be paired with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige together, known as greige, to highlight this versatility 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
Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety issues if not properly maintained and operated. They release fine particles that can enter deep into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue in a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also crucial to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, such as curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to move warm air around the home so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Make sure to regularly clean 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, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container.
Children should be kept out from the fireplace area especially when it has a glass front. They can get burns if they touch the hot surfaces after and during an fire. The various tools used to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels can be hazardous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not falling into the fire, an "safety area" of three feet be set up around it.
Installing an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector in the house is a good idea too especially if you have a wood stove. large wood burning stove can be poisonous and accumulate if the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly.
It is also essential to check the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules regarding nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are usually designed to reduce pollution in the air and are in place to protect public health.