Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a fireplace with wood is a great way to warm a home. If you have one, it's essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid dangerous creosote build-ups.
A damper is an essential part of maintaining a good combustion. The kind of firewood used may make a difference, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are an attractive amenity that creates a cozy ambience and also warmth. They are not energy-efficient and could cause pollutant emissions if not maintained properly. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney installation and chimney can significantly impact the overall efficiency of the unit.
Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Firewood must be "seasoned" to reduce the water content and increase its energy density before use. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not be able to burn efficiently and can create a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions.
Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained correctly. Apart from purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will help reduce the risk for room and chimney fires.
Smoke from wood-burning stoves is a source of fine particle pollution which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health issues, including 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 is a contributor to the atmospheric depletion ozone as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that affect the earth's climate.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a proper size chimney as well as flue liner to maximize performance. It is also important to buy seasoned firewood and resist the temptation to add accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire as it can cause fire to become too hot and create a dangerous situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood away from the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful ambience. click through the up coming web site can be used for primary or supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors, toxins and can affect the quality of air within the home.
When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is treated in an oven or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is best only to burn clean, seasoned wood that has been sliced into pieces and stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire, remove ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes are cool completely before throwing them into an aluminum bin. Use a dustpan or whisk brush to sweep and dispose of any other debris that may have accumulated outside the fire.
When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot that is produced. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. It is also recommended to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the mixture well, then use a nylon brush scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, clean off any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves that burn wood.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern gas or propane fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sound of a roaring fire and their cozy feel create an atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people are looking for when shopping for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, 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 remove these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home.
There are a variety of ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and visually appealing. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic look. You can also build a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, creating 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 stunning and is compatible with a lot of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the space and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is a popular color that is compatible with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige to celebrate this style and its versatility.
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 create serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They emit smoke, which contains fine particle pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs to cause lung diseases and other health problems. They also release hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue will help to keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires.
If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable items like curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate warm air throughout the house so it doesn't go back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from becoming a block to airflow and then accumulating too deeply. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a metal container or a similar noncombustible container.
Keep children away 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 may get burned. The numerous tools used to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" is recommended around the fireplace to stop children from coming into contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is a good idea too particularly if you own wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not functioning correctly, and it is a poison to breathe.
It is also important to check the state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules regarding odors and nuisances, "no-burn" days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.