Why We Enjoy Wood Burning Fireplace (And You Should, Too!)
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic way to warm up the interior of a house. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous build-ups of creosote.
A damper is an important component of maintaining a healthy combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning design that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. They aren't energy efficient and could cause pollutant emissions if not maintained properly. The kind of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can greatly 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 must be "seasoned" to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is too wet it will not be able to burn effectively and may cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a whole year depending on the weather and the climate.
Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to keep them correctly. In addition to buying an enormous amount of firewood, owners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, operates correctly, and that no combustible material is stored near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires.
The smoke that comes from wood-burning fireplaces contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can impact the earth's climate.
Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use secondary combustion to reduce the generation of harmful emissions when firing. They also require a suitable sized chimney and installation of a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also important to buy seasoned firewood and beware of 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 avoid termite infestation homeowners should also keep their firewood away from their homes.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or additional heating and may qualify you for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxins and unpleasant odors which can negatively impact the air quality inside your home.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning a wood fireplace is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is treated in a kiln or oven to eliminate all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stored for a few months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire, remove 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 the bin made of metal. Using a dust pan or whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other debris that has accumulated around the fireplace.
When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dust and soot that will be produced. It is important to clear a work space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles.
Begin by filling up the bucket with a gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the solution well, then use a nylon brush to scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, clean off any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for stoves that burn wood.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a look that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a fire roaring and the cozy feeling they create have stood the test time. large wood burning stove is a feature that many people look for when looking for a fireplace.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can harm your lungs. It is crucial to have an effective system to eliminate these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are several ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give it a rustic look or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also install an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in 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. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the space and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is another option that is compatible with many different styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige, 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
Wood burning fireplaces can lead to serious safety concerns if they're not properly maintained and operated. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can get into the lungs to cause lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes 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 is functioning properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is getting worn out, it should be replaced or repaired right away. It is also crucial to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which allows warm air through the house to ensure that it doesn't rush back up the chimney.
Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to avoid them becoming a block to airflow and then accumulating too deeply. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or another noncombustible container.
Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace especially in the case of an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could get burned. The various tools used to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes are also dangerous for children to handle. To prevent children from falling into the fire it is recommended that it is recommended that a "safety area" of three feet be set up around the fireplace.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is also a great idea particularly if you own a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may be a problem in the wood stove if the chimney are not working correctly.
It is also important to check the state, local and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations might include rules regarding odors and nuisances, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.