Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the sound of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous creosote build-ups.
A damper is an important part of maintaining a good combustion. The kind of firewood used can make a difference in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a beautiful amenity that creates a cozy ambiance and provides heat. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can contribute to pollutant emissions if not maintained in a timely manner. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of the appliance.
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 must be "seasoned", to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not be able to burn as efficiently and could cause a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year dependent on the weather and climate conditions.
Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to keep them properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's operating properly and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular inspections and cleanings will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particle pollution which can cause lung damage and lead to serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the climate of the earth.
Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves use the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To optimize performance, these stoves require a properly sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is also important to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the flame as this can overload the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood away from their 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 for primary or additional heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release toxins and unpleasant odors which can negatively impact the quality of air in your home.
The most important thing to remember when using a wood fireplace is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried wood is treated by heating or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that is split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to taking them out of an aluminum waste bin to be disposed of. Make use of a brush or a Broom to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside the flame.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that are created. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles.
Begin by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the mixture well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood and the sound of a fire roaring and the warm feeling they give have stood the test time. This is one feature that a lot of people are looking for when looking for a fireplace.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. It is essential to have a system that can eliminate these harmful substances, even if 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 a variety of ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can paint it to match the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic look. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular choice that goes with many styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together and call it 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 lead to serious safety concerns if they're not maintained and operated properly. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove needs to be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it functions properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue's liner is becoming worn, it should be replaced or repaired immediately. It is also essential to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, which includes curtains, drapes and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to prevent them from blocking airflow and accumulating too deeply. woodburning stoves of ash can impede the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also creates more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a metal bucket or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept out from the area around the fireplace especially in the case of glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could be burned. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not getting into the fireplace accidentally, a "safety area" of three feet be constructed around it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is a good idea too especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may be a problem in the wood stove if the chimney are not working correctly.
In addition, it is essential to be aware of state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. woodburning stoves could include rules governing nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are usually aimed at reducing pollution in the air and are in place to protect the health of the public.