Why You Should Concentrate On Improving Wood Burning Fireplace
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the sound of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote.
The airflow can be controlled by dampers and is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a stunning design, generating an inviting and warm environment. small wood burning stoves and could cause air pollution if they are not maintained in a timely manner. The kind of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, the chimney system and installation can significantly affect the effectiveness of the appliance.
The primary fuel for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is typically bought in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). It is essential to "seasoned" to reduce its water content and increase its energy density prior to use. If the wood is too moist it will not burn effectively and may cause many creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a full year or more, based on the climate and weather conditions.
A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment both in time and money to keep it running properly. Apart from purchasing a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free from obstructions and working properly, and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of room and chimney fires.
Smoke from wood-burning stoves contains fine particle pollution, which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health issues like lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric depletion of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can impact the earth's climate.
Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a proper size chimney as well as an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is also essential to buy seasoned firewood and avoid 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. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood away from the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and could qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release harmful odors and toxic substances, which can affect the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven or kiln to remove all of its moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using.
Before lighting a flame, remove ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to taking them out of a metal waste bin to be disposed of. Utilizing a dust pan or whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other debris that has accumulated around the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that can be accumulated. To protect your furniture from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a mask to ensure you don't breathe in any soot or ash particles.
Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the solution well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as the areas around your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean 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 using an approved glass cleaner for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic look of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a fire roaring and the cozy atmosphere they create have stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that many people look for when looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can cause lung damage. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place that can help get rid of these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home.
There are a variety of ways to make your fireplace look more appealing and distinctive. You can make use of reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel, or you can choose to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also build an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home.
You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice since it looks great and goes with most homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which opens up the space and creates light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together and call it 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 hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They emit fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by emitting carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it's working properly. A clean, efficient flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue's liner is becoming worn, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also essential to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, which includes drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to move warm air around the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to keep them from blocking airflow and building up too much. Too much ash can restrict the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease the efficiency of combustion, which results in more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a bucket made of steel or any other non-combustible container.
Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of glass on the front. They can get burns when they touch hot surfaces during and after an fire. The numerous tools used to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes can be hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" is recommended around the fireplace to prevent children from coming into contact with it.
Installing an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector in the house is a good idea too particularly if you own a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't working properly, and is harmful to breathe.
It is also important to check state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules governing odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limits on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.