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Check Out: How Wood Burning Fireplace Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a house like the roar of a wood-burning fireplace. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote.
Airflow can be controlled using dampers and is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. The type of firewood used may affect the outcome and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy ambiance and provides warmth. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can cause harmful pollutant emissions if not maintained correctly. The condition and the quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could significantly affect the efficiency of your entire system.
Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased 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 in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is moist it won't burn effectively and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a full year or more, based on the weather and the climate.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in terms of both money and time to maintain it in a proper manner. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that combustible materials are not stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will help reduce the risk for room and chimney fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles, which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants like nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves use a second combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance the stoves need an appropriately sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is also crucial to buy firewood that is seasoned and resist the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the flame as it can cause fire to become too hot and cause a risky situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from the home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful atmosphere. They can be used as primary or as supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit toxic odors and toxins, which can affect the quality of air in your home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is important 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 eliminate all of its moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire remove ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to placing them in the metal waste bin to be disposed of. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that can be accumulated. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any particles of soot or ash.
Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use clean damp cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness you can use glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a look that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic look, crackling sound of a burning fire and their cozy ambience create a cozy ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when buying a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be great for heating your home However, they also emit harmful gasses. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place that can help get rid of these harmful substances. Many prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home.
There are many different ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can paint it to be in line with the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also include an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will make an attractive and functional feature in your home.
You can also change your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as it looks fantastic and works with the majority of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is a popular color that is compatible with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also known as greige, to highlight this style and its versatility.
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 create serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They release smoke, which has fine particles of pollutants that can be absorbed 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 also contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
A wood stove's flue should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure it is working properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires.
If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired immediately. Keep flammable materials like drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney.
Ashes must be removed of the fireplace frequently to prevent them from building up too deep and blocking the air flow. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply for logs, reducing combustion efficiency and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container.
Children should be kept away from the fireplace particularly in the case of glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could be burned. Additionally, the numerous different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like brushes, 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 set up around the fireplace.
It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, particularly in the case of wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem if the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly.
It is also important to verify the state, local and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplace s. These rules could include rules for odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.