10 Key Factors To Know Wood Burning Fireplace You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a home like the sound of a wood-burning fireplace. If you have one, it's essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts.
Airflow can be controlled using dampers, and this is a crucial element of keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning feature that creates a warm ambience and also heat. However, they are not energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can greatly affect the overall effectiveness of the appliance.
Firewood is the main fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") The wood must be "seasoned" to reduce its water content and increase the energy density prior to its use. If the wood is too moist it will not be able to burn effectively and may cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, depending on the climate and weather conditions.
Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to maintain them correctly. In addition to purchasing a huge quantity of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that combustible materials are not stored close to the unit. Regular inspections and cleanings will help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires.
The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems such as heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance the stoves need an appropriately sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is also crucial to purchase seasoned firewood, and resist the temptation to add accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire, as this can overload the fire and create a dangerous situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also store their firewood far away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating, and could qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins, and can affect the quality of air inside the home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven or kiln, to eliminate all moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a flame, take the ashes off the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before dumping them in the bin made of metal. Use a dustpan or whisk brush to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that will be created. It is recommended to clear the working area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. Wear a dust mask to ensure that you don't breathe in soot or ash particles.
Start by filling an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy feel create a cozy atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying fireplaces.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be excellent for heating your home, but they also emit harmful gases. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can damage your lungs. It is crucial to have a system that can eliminate these harmful substances, even if 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 many ways to make your fireplace look more appealing and distinctive. You can paint it to match the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also install a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, creating an exciting and functional element in your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which looks stunning and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white which opens up the space and creates light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular choice that goes with many styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together, known as 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 you 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 Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious dangers to safety. They release smoke that is a fine particle of pollution that can get into the lungs to cause lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
A wood stove's flue should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired immediately. It is also crucial to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, which includes curtains, drapes and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney.
Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace regularly to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or a similar noncombustible container.
Children should be kept away from the fireplace area, especially in the case of an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The many tools used to maintain fireplaces, such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes and shovels are also dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" is recommended around the fireplace to avoid children accidentally coming into contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is also a great idea especially if you have a wood stove. mini wood burning stove is poisonous and can build up if the wood stove and chimney are not working properly.
It is also essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These may 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 the public's health.