Get Rid Of Wood Burning Fireplace: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful method to warm up the interior of a house. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.
A damper is an essential component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The kind of firewood used can 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 atmosphere and also provides heat. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and could cause air pollution if they are not maintained properly. The quality and condition of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could have a significant impact on the overall efficiency.
The primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") The wood must be "seasoned" to reduce its water content and improve its energy density before use. If the wood is too wet it will not be able to burn effectively and may cause many creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a full year, depending on weather and the climate.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a substantial investment both in money and time to maintain it properly. In addition, to purchasing large quantities of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating well, and that there is no combustible material is stored near the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires.
The smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic including volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the atmospheric depletion ozone, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance the stoves need an appropriately sized chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is also crucial to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also keep their firewood away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other types of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins and can negatively affect air quality within the home.
The most important thing to remember when burning a wood fireplace is to always make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is then treated by heating or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is a good idea to only burn clean, seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and then stacked for several months before use.
Before starting a fire, clean up the ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cooled completely before you dump them into an aluminum bin. Use a dustpan or whisk broom to sweep away any other debris that may have accumulated outside of the fire.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dirt and soot that is produced. To safeguard your furniture from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a dust mask to keep from breathing in any soot or ash particles.
Start by filling a large 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. Wood burning stove indoor , then use a nylon brush scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanliness you can make use of a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fireplaces cannot match. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood as well as the roar of a burning fire and the warm feeling they give have stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people are looking for when shopping for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating, they also emit harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can cause lung damage. It is important to have an effective system that can eliminate these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for wood-burning fireplaces as they reduce the amount harmful gasses that enter their home.
There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can choose to use recycled 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 edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, creating an interesting and practical feature in your home.
You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice since it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a different option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, which is also known as greige, to show this 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 cause serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They release fine particles that can get into the lungs, causing lung diseases. They also release hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove needs to be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean, well-functioning flue will help to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also important to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, including curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to move warm air around the home so it doesn't go back up the chimney.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to prevent them from blocking airflow and becoming too large in size. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply for logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a bucket made of metal or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept out from the fireplace particularly in the case of an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The various tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes can be hazardous for children to handle. To prevent children from falling into the fire, it is recommended that a "safety area" of three feet must be set up around the fireplace.
It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially in the case of a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can build up in the wood stove if the chimney aren't functioning correctly.
It is also essential to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for the smoke that is emitted from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.