10 Factors To Know Regarding Wood Burning Fireplace You Didn't Learn At School
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the roar of a wood-burning fireplace. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.
A damper is a crucial element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The kind of firewood used may be a factor, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful feature, creating a warm and cozy ambience. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful pollutant emissions if not maintained properly. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the efficiency of the unit.
The primary fuel for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" in order to decrease the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is too wet it will not burn effectively and may cause many creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, based on the climate and weather conditions.
Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to maintain them correctly. In addition to purchasing a huge quantity of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials aren't stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will help reduce the risk for room and chimney fires.
The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic like volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that can alter the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves employ a second combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a suitable sized chimney and installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is also important to purchase 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 lead to a hazardous situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also keep their firewood far away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins and can adversely affect the air quality inside the home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated in an oven or kiln to remove all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stacked for a few months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire, clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure that the ashes are cool before taking them out of an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.
When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dirt and soot that will be produced. To safeguard your furniture from stains, you should clean 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.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix the solution well, then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe and wash the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanness then make use of the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic look of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they provide have stood the test time. This is one feature that many people look for when shopping for a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent to heat your home however, they also release harmful gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can damage your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place to help get rid of these harmful substances. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood-burning fireplaces since they lower the amount of harmful gases in their home.
There are a variety of ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can use reclaimed wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or you could opt to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also build an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks fantastic and works with most homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace white which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a third option that works well with a variety of styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige together called greige to show their 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 small wood burning stoves are unsure about which colour to go for, you can always ask a professional for advice.
Safety
If they are not maintained and operated in a safe manner If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They emit smoke, which is a fine particle of pollution that can get into the lungs and cause lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
A wood stove's flue should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it's working properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue's is showing signs of wear, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable materials like curtains, drapes and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate warm air around the house to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney.
Ashes should be cleared from the fireplace on a regular basis to keep them from accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and leading to more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace especially if it has glass front. They can get burns when they touch hot surfaces while they are in the fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, pokers, log lifers and shovels, can be dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" is recommended around the fireplace to stop children accidentally coming into contact with it.
It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, particularly when there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't working properly, and is a poison to breathe.
It is also important to be aware of state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood burning fireplaces. These regulations might include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce pollution in the air and are in place to protect public health.