Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the roar of a wood burning fireplace. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.
The airflow can be controlled by dampers, and this is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. The kind of firewood used may be a factor in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a beautiful feature that creates a warm atmosphere and also provides warmth. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if not maintained properly. The condition and quality of your chimney system, and installation may be a major factor in the overall efficiency.
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'). The wood must be "seasoned" to reduce its water content and increase the energy density prior to use. If the wood is too moist it will not be able to burn as efficiently and could cause many creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a full year, depending on weather and the climate.
Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to keep them properly. Apart from purchasing a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove contains fine particle pollution, which can cause lung damage and cause serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke may contribute to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.
Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a suitable size chimney and the installation of a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also essential to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the fire, as this can overload the fire and create a dangerous situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood away from their house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxic odors and toxins, which can affect the air quality in your home.
The most important thing to remember when using a fireplace made of wood is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried wood is processed by heating or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and stacked for a few months before use.
Before lighting a fire, remove ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes are cool completely before dumping them in an aluminum bin. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan Broom to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that will be created. To keep your furniture safe from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so that you don't breathe in soot or ash 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 well and then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with your cleanness then employ glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a burning fire and their cozy ambience provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people seek 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 cause lung damage. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design to reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are several ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and distinctive. modern wood burning stoves can paint it to be in line with the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic look. You can also add an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which creates an interesting and practical feature in your home.
You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as 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 choice that can be paired with a variety of styles and is on trend. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige and call it greige to celebrate this 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
If they are not maintained and operated in a safe manner, wood burning fireplaces can pose serious dangers to safety. They release smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can get into the lungs and cause lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants such as 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 should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is getting worn out, it should be replaced or repaired right away. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, drapes, and other flammable objects, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to install cross-ventilation, which helps move warm air through the house so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can impede the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease combustion effici
