Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic way to warm the interior of a house. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid dangerous creosote buildup.
Airflow can be controlled with dampers and is an essential element in keeping the combustion efficient. 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.
very small wood burning stove can be an attractive amenity, creating a warm and cozy environment. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful pollutant emissions if not maintained in a timely manner. The condition and quality of your firebox, chimney system, and installation can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your entire system.
The main fuel used in a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which can be 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 improve its energy density prior to use. If the wood is moist, it won't burn efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a whole year depending on the weather and climate conditions.
A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment in terms of both time and money to maintain it properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires.
Smoke from wood-burning stoves has fine particles, which can cause lung damage and cause serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases toxic air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke can contribute to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Efficient EPA certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a suitable size chimney and the installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is essential to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, creating a risky situation. Additionally homeowners should keep their firewood away from the home to prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot 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 an open fireplace, it's essential to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote buildup 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 well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stacked for a few months prior to using.
Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into the bin made of metal. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that will be created. You should clear a working space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You should also wear a dust mask in order to avoid inhaling any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket with 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 walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning 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 a glass cleaner safe for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are stunning and are not comparable to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, crackling sounds of a roaring fire and their cozy feel create a cozy atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people seek when they are looking for fireplaces.
Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal to heat your home however, they also release harmful gases. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can cause lung damage. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place to aid in eliminating these harmful substances. Many prefer zero clearance designs for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes.
There are many different ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and visually appealing. You can paint it to match the style of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also install an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which is an interesting and practical feature in your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which looks beautiful and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a third option that is compatible with many different styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also known as greige to celebrate the 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 create serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They release smoke that is a fine particle of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean, efficient flue can help keep carbon monoxide leaks from becoming dangerous and chimney fires.
If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired immediately. Be sure to keep flammable objects like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate warm air around the home to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from becoming a block to airflow and then building up too much. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a bucket made of metal or other noncombustible container.
Children should be kept out from the fireplace especially if it has an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they could be burned. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes and shovels are also dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not accidentally contacting the fireplace it is recommended that a "safety area" of three feet be set up around the fireplace.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is a good idea too particularly if you own wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may be a problem if the wood stove and chimney are not functioning correctly.
In small wood burning stove , it is essential to verify the state, local and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules governing odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.