Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the roar of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote.
Airflow can be controlled with dampers and is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a beautiful design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides heat. However, they are not efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may greatly affect the efficiency of the unit.
The main fuel source for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face cord or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it must be "seasoned" to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is too moist it will not be able to burn effectively and may cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year dependent on the weather and the conditions of the climate.
Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to keep them correctly. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored close to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance 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 problems including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could alter the climate of the earth.
Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions when firing. To ensure optimal performance the stoves need a properly sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is essential to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, causing a dangerous situation. Additionally indoor wood burning stove should store their firewood away from the house to help prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and can be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can emit toxic odors and toxins which can negatively impact the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven or kiln to remove all of its moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that is split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire, take the ashes off the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cool completely before throwing them into the bin made of metal. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan Broom to sweep and dispose of any other debris that may have accumulated outside of the fire.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot that will be produced. It is recommended to clear the working area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. You should also wear a mask to keep from breathing in any ash or soot particles.
Start by filling an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls and the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with a damp, clean cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with your cleanliness then make use of the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic look, crackling sounds of a burning fire and their warm feel provide a warm and inviting ambience that has stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people are looking for when shopping for a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal to heat your home However, they also emit dangerous gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to assist in the elimination of these toxins. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases in their home.
There are many ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique attractive. 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 add an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will make an attractive and functional feature for your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which is beautiful and is a perfect match for most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a fresh airy ambience. Gray is a different option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners even mix beige and gray 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 release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing lung diseases. They also release dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is becoming worn, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also crucial to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to prevent them from becoming a block to airflow and then accumulating too deeply. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container.
Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace especially in the case of glass front. There is a risk of burns when they touch hot surfaces after and during the fire. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, are dangerous for kids to handle. To stop children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, a "safety area" of three feet should be constructed around the fireplace.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is a good idea too, especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem in the wood stove if the chimney are not functioning properly.
It is also crucial to verify the local, state and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce pollution in the air and are in place to protect public health.