Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic method to warm up a home. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous build-ups of creosote.
Airflow can be controlled with a damper which is a crucial element of keeping the combustion efficient. The kind of firewood used can also affect the outcome, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they aren't 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, chimney and installation may greatly affect the overall effectiveness of the appliance.
Firewood is the main fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Firewood must be "seasoned" to reduce its water content and increase its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is too moist, it will not burn effectively and may cause lots of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a whole year, depending on weather and the climate.
A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment in both time and money to keep it running properly. In addition to purchasing a huge quantity of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and operating properly and that any combustible material is not stored close to the unit. Regular inspections and cleanings will lower the chance of room and chimney fires.
Smoke from wood-burning stoves has fine particles, which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants like volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that could influence the earth's climate.
Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use secondary combustion to limit the production of harmful emissions when firing. To optimize performance, these stoves require the proper size chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is essential 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, which can lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood outside of the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful ambience. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and may qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors, toxins and can adversely affect the air quality in the home.
The most important thing to remember when burning in a wood fireplace is to always make use of dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated by heating or kiln to remove all moisture. It is recommended only to burn clean well-seasoned wood that has been sliced up and stacked for several months before use.
Before lighting a fire, clean up the ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure the ashes are completely cool before placing them in a metal waste bin to dispose of. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan Broom to sweep away any other debris that may have accumulated outside of the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace in order to protect 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. double sided wood burner will also want to wear a dust mask in order to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix the mixture well, then use a nylon brush scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls and the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, scrub off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for wood burning stoves.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. Their rustic look, the crackling sound of a burning fire and their cozy feel create an ambience that has stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people seek when they are looking for a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent for heating your home, but they also emit dangerous gasses. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place that can aid in eliminating these harmful substances. This is why many people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and unique. You can paint it to match the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic look. You can also build an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace white which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is a third option that can be paired with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners even mix beige and gray together, known as 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
Wood burning fireplaces can lead to serious safety hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They release fine particles that can enter deep into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by emitting carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue in a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it's working as it should. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is degrading it is recommended to replace it or repaired immediately. It is also crucial to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, including curtains, drapes and other flammable items. It is recommended to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm air through the house so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney.
Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to avoid them blocking airflow and building up too much. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a metal container or a similar noncombustible container.
Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace especially when it has glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The many tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes are also dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not accidentally contacting the fireplace it is recommended that a "safety area" of three feet be constructed around the fireplace.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is also a great idea, especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem in the wood stove if the chimney aren't functioning correctly.
It is also important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations might include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.