Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.
A damper is an essential part of maintaining a good combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash produce less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a beautiful design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides warmth. However, they are not energy efficient and can create polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The kind of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, the chimney and installation may significantly affect the overall efficiency of the appliance.
Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Before burning firewood, it should be "seasoned" to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. 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 anywhere from months to a full year or more, depending on the weather and the climate.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a substantial investment both in time and money to maintain it properly. In addition, to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, owners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating well, and that there is no combustible material is stored near the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections can help reduce the risk of chimney fires as well as room fires.
The smoke from wood-burning fireplaces is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a properly size chimney and the installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is crucial to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood away from the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that creates a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and could be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxic odors and toxins which can negatively impact the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood can be treated 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 placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using.
Before lighting a flame, remove ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool prior to taking them out of the metal waste bin to be disposed of. Use a dustpan or whisk brush to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside the flame.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that will be created. To keep your furniture safe from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any particles of soot or ash.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves that burn wood.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic look of wood fireplaces as well as the roar of a fire burning and the cozy feeling they provide have stood the test time. Many people look for this feature when purchasing a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be excellent for heating your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can cause lung damage. It is crucial to have a system that can remove these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace to reduce the quantity of harmful gases that are present in your home.
There are many ways to design your fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also build an edifice of stone that leads to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks stunning and is compatible with most homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that can be paired with a variety of styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners mix beige and gray 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 wood burning stove sale are unsure about which colour to go for, you can always ask a professional for advice.
Safety
Wood burning fireplaces can lead to serious safety hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They release smoke that is a fine particle of pollution that can get into the lungs to cause lung diseases and other health problems. They also release dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is degrading it is recommended to replace it or repaired as soon as possible. It is also important to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, which includes drapes, curtains and other flammable items. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation, which helps move warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to prevent them from blocking airflow and becoming too large in size. A lot of ash can impede the oxygen supply to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a bucket made of metal or any other non-combustible container.
Make sure that children are not in the area near the fireplace, particularly when there is a glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they may get burned. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces, such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" must be set up around the fireplace to avoid children from coming into contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is a good idea too particularly if you own wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not operating properly, and is harmful to breathe.
It is also crucial to verify the state, local, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules governing odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce pollution in the air and are in place to protect the health of the public.