Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a home like the crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.
A damper is an essential component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The type of firewood used can also affect the outcome 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 warmth. They are not energy-efficient and could cause air pollution if not maintained correctly. The condition and quality of your chimney system, and installation could have a significant impact on the efficiency of your entire system.
The primary fuel for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is usually bought in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it needs to be "seasoned", to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet it won't burn effectively and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a full year dependent on the weather and the conditions of the climate.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in terms of both time and money to maintain it properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's operating properly and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires.
The smoke from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can harm the climate of the earth.
Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use a secondary combustion process to reduce the generation of harmful emissions during firing. They also require a properly size chimney as well as a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also essential to purchase seasoned firewood, and resist the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire as this can overload the fire and create a dangerous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also store their firewood far away from their homes.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating, and may qualify you for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors, toxins and can affect the quality of air within the home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven, or kiln to remove all of its moisture content. It is best to only use clean, seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to using.
Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes are cool completely before throwing them into a metal bin. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other debris that has accumulated around the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dirt, soot and dust that will be created. It is important to clear a work space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask in order to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles.
Start by filling an enormous 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 ammonia from your household. Mix the solution well, and then use a nylon brush scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, clean off any glass doors with 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. The rustic look of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a fire roaring and the cozy feeling they create have stood the test time. This is a characteristic that many people look for when looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that could harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place that can assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. Many prefer zero clearance designs for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes.
There are several ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and unique. You can paint it to be in line with the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also add an edifice of stone that leads to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which looks stunning and complements the majority of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace white which lets light into the space and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that works well with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige together and call it greige to celebrate this 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 release fine particles that can get into the lungs, causing lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure that it functions properly. A clean, efficient flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is becoming worn, it should be repaired or replaced 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 throughout the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from blocking the airflow and accumulating too deeply. Too much ash can restrict the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a metal container or another noncombustible container.
Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially if there is glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they could get burned. best woodburners employed to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To stop children from accidentally contacting the fireplace and causing harm, it is recommended that a "safety area" of three feet should be set up around the fireplace.
It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, particularly in the case of a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem when the wood stove and chimney are not functioning properly.
It is also important to verify the state, local, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules regarding odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions or the opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.