Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the sound of a wood burning fireplace. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid dangerous creosote buildup.
The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. The type of firewood used may make a difference in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are an attractive design that creates a cozy ambience and also heat. They are not energy-efficient and can contribute to air pollution if not maintained in a timely manner. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may greatly affect the overall effectiveness of the appliance.
The main fuel used in a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is typically bought in a face cord or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" in order to decrease the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is too wet it will not be able to burn as efficiently and could cause many creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a whole year dependent on the weather and the conditions of the climate.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in both time and money to keep it running properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's working properly, and that any combustible material is not stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires.
The smoke 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 diseases, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other toxic air pollutants like volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the atmospheric depletion ozone as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ secondary combustion to limit the production of harmful emissions when firing. To optimize performance they require the proper size chimney as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is also crucial to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the flame as they can add fuel to the fire and cause a risky situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxins and unpleasant odors which can negatively impact the quality of air in your home.
When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's essential to use dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven, or kiln, to remove all moisture content. It is best only to burn clean and seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and then stacked for several months before use.
Before lighting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into a metal waste bin to be disposed of. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan Broom to sweep away any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the flame.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot generated. It is important to clear a work space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any particles of soot or ash.
Start by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the solution well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a dry, clean cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors using a glass cleaner that is safe for wood burning stoves.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a look that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sound of a burning fire and their warm feel provide a warm and inviting ambience that has stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people seek when they are looking for a fireplace.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can damage your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well ventilated, it is essential to have a system in place to assist in the elimination of these toxins. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design to reduce the amount of harmful gases present in your home.
There are a variety of ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can paint it to match the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also build a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks stunning and is compatible with most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a bright airy feel. Gray is a popular choice that can be paired with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, 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 you are unsure about which colour to go for, you can always ask a professional for advice.
Safety
Wood burning fireplaces can cause serious safety hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean, efficient flue helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also important to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, which includes curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate warm air around the home so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace frequently to prevent them from building up too deeply and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or another noncombustible container.
Make sure that children are not in the area around the fireplace, particularly when there is glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could get burned. In Fireplaces And Stove , the different tools used to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, are hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" should be established around the fireplace to stop children from coming into contact with it.
It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, especially if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may be a problem when the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning properly.
In addition, it is essential to check the state, local, and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for the smoke that is emitted from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.