10 Things We All Hate About Wood Burning Fireplace
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the roar of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts.
Airflow can be controlled with dampers, and this is a crucial element of maintaining efficient combustion. The kind of firewood used can also be a factor in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are an attractive design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides heat. They aren't energy efficient and could cause air pollution if not maintained in a timely manner. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney and installation may significantly affect the overall efficiency of the appliance.
The primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Before using firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is too moist it will not burn efficiently and can create lots of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a whole year, depending on weather and the climate.
A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment in terms of both money and time to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections can reduce the chance of fires in chimneys and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove has fine particles, which can harm the lungs and cause serious health issues, including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants like volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that alter the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves use the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during firing. They also require a suitable size chimney and the installation of flue liner to maximize performance. It is important to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally homeowners should keep 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 atmosphere. They can be used for primary or additional heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release toxins and unpleasant odors, which can affect the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven or kiln, to remove all moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stored for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire, remove the ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before dumping them in an aluminum bin. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan brush to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that will be created. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any soot or ash particles.
Start by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. wood burning stoves and then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanliness then use 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. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces and the sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they provide have stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing fireplaces.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be ideal to heat your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can harm your lungs. It is important to have a system that can remove these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home.
There are several ways to make your fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can paint it to fit the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic appearance. 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. The most popular option is black, which looks beautiful and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a fresh airy feel. Gray is a popular choice that goes with many styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners even mix beige and gray 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 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 concerns if they're not properly maintained and operated. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change through the release of methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can 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 items, such as drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which helps move warm indoor air throughout the home so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from blocking airflow and accumulating too deeply. Too much ash can restrict the flow of oxygen to the logs, and reduce combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a bucket made of steel or any other non-combustible container.
Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly in the case of a glass front. Children can be burned when they touch hot surfaces while they are in the fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like pokers, log lifers and shovels, can be hazardous for children to handle. To prevent children from accidentally contacting the fireplace and causing harm, a "safety area" of three feet must be constructed around the fireplace.
It is an excellent 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 functioning correctly, and it is poisonous to breathe.
It is also important to verify the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules for nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often aimed at reducing air pollution and are put in place to safeguard public health.