Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a fireplace with wood is a fantastic way to warm the interior of a house. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous creosote build-ups.
A damper is an important element in maintaining a high quality combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a beautiful feature that creates a warm ambience and also warmth. They are not energy-efficient and can contribute to air pollution if they are not maintained in a timely manner. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can significantly affect the efficiency of the unit.
Firewood is the primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 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 too moist it will not burn efficiently and can create many creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a whole year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate.
Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to keep them correctly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored close to the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections will help reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires.
The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic like volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the destruction of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can affect the earth's climate.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a properly sized chimney and installation of a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also important to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire, as they can add fuel to the fire and cause a risky situation. Additionally, homeowners should store their firewood away from their house to help prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used as 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 fireplace that is not cleaned can release harmful odors and toxic substances, which can affect the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is essential to use dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. outdoor wood burning stove dried wood is then treated in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is best to only burn clean, seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire, take the ashes off the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to placing them in the metal waste bin for disposal. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan brush to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that will be created. To safeguard your furniture from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask to ensure that you don't breathe in particles of soot or ash.
Begin by filling up a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the mixture well, then use a nylon brush scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed the walls and the areas around your fireplace, clean it off with a clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping procedure until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub off any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a look that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. The rustic look of wood fireplaces as well as the roar of a burning fire and the cozy feeling they provide have stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people seek when looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well ventilated, it is essential to have an effective system in place to aid in eliminating these harmful substances. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace to reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give it a rustic look or opt to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also install an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which creates an interesting and practical feature in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice since it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a bright airy feel. Gray is a popular color that goes with many styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, also referred to as greige, to show the aesthetic and flexibility.
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 maintained and operated properly. They emit fine particle pollution that can enter 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 change by emitting carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue in a wood stove must be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean, functioning flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. It is also important to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable items. It is recommended to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm air throughout the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to prevent them from blocking airflow and accumulating too deeply. As much ash can limit the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a metal container or a similar noncombustible container.
Children should be kept out from the fireplace area especially when it has an open glass front. There is a risk of burns by touching the hot surfaces after and during a fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like log lifers, pokers and shovels can be dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" should be established around the fireplace to stop children coming in contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in your home is a good idea too especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove are not working properly, and is poisonous to breathe.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the state, local, and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules governing nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.