Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The crackle of a wood-burning fireplace is a fantastic way to warm the interior of a house. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous creosote build-ups.
Airflow can be controlled using a damper and is a crucial element of keeping the combustion efficient. The kind of firewood used can make a difference and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides heat. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The condition and the quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency.
The main fuel source for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically 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 and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet, it won't burn efficiently and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a whole year depending on the weather and the climate.
A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment in both time and money to maintain it in a proper manner. Apart from purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and operating properly and that combustible materials are not stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove is a source of fine particle pollution which can harm the lungs and lead to serious health issues like lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants like volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone which can affect the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize a second combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance, these stoves require a properly sized chimney as well as installation of a flue lining. It is crucial 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. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also keep their firewood away from their homes.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful atmosphere. They can be used for primary or additional heating and could qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors, toxins and can adversely affect the air quality inside the home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven or kiln to remove all moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that has been split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to use.
Before starting a fire, clean up the ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes are cool completely before dumping them in a metal bin. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan broom to sweep and dispose of any other debris that may have accumulated outside the flame.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from dust, soot and dirt that can be accumulated. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. Wear fireplacesandstove so that you don't inhale any soot or ash particles.
Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution.
Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness you can use the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood as well as the roar of a burning fire and the cozy feeling they create have stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people are looking for when looking for a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal to heat your home, but they also emit dangerous gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can harm your lungs. It is important to have an effective system that can eliminate these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home.
There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can paint it to be in line with the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic look. You can also install an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also change 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 in white which lets light into the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular choice that is compatible with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige together called 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 cause serious safety hazards if they are not maintained and operated properly. They emit fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs, causing 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 methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is getting worn out the flue liner should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm indoor air throughout the home so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out from the fireplace on a regular basis to keep them from accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a metal bucket or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept out from the fireplace area particularly if it has glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could be burned. In addition, the different tools used to maintain a fireplace like log lifers, pokers and shovels, can be unsafe for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" is recommended around the fireplace to avoid children from coming into contact with it.
It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may build up in the wood stove if the chimney are not functioning properly.
It is also important to check the state, local, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations might include rules regarding odors and nuisances, "no-burn" days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.