Nothing warms a home like the sound of a wood-burning fireplace. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote.
The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is an essential element in keeping the combustion efficient. The kind of firewood used can affect the outcome, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a beautiful design that creates a cozy ambience and also warmth. They aren't energy efficient and can contribute to pollutant emissions if not maintained correctly. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can significantly affect the overall effectiveness of the unit.
Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. 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 its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is too moist it will not be able to burn efficiently and can create lots of creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a year depending on the weather and climate conditions.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment in terms of both money and time to maintain it properly. In addition to buying an enormous amount of firewood, owners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is operating properly, and that there isn't any combustible materials near the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove contains fine particle pollution, which can cause lung damage and lead to serious health problems including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other air pollutants that are toxic including volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the climate of the earth.
Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a suitable sized chimney and installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is also crucial to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire as they can add fuel to the fire and cause a risky situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood away from the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the quality of air in your home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed 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 stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a flame, remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to scooping them into a metal waste bin to be disposed of. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.
When cleaning wood burning stoves , be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dirt and soot that is produced. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You should also wear a dust mask in order to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed the walls and the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanness, use glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a look that modern gas or propane fire places cannot rival. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the cozy atmosphere they create have stood the test time. This is a feature that a lot of people seek when looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can damage your lungs. It is essential to have a system that can eliminate these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for fireplaces that burn wood, as they reduce the amount harmful gases that are present in their homes.
There are many ways to make your fireplace more appealing and unique. You can make use of recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance, or you can choose to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also add an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks fantastic and works with the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a fresh airy ambience. Gray is a popular choice that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to 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
If not maintained and operated in a safe manner Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious safety risks. They emit fine particle pollution that can enter deep into the lungs, causing lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it's working as it should. A clean and functioning chimney flue will help to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. Keep flammable materials like drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a great way to move warm air around the house so it doesn't go back up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to avoid them accumulating too deep and obstructing 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 a similar noncombustible container.
Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of a glass front. They can get burns by touching the hot surfaces after and during a fire. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes are also dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not getting into the fireplace accidentally it is recommended that an "safety area" of three feet should be set up around the fireplace.
It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, especially if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and accumulate when the wood stove and chimney are not functioning correctly.
It is also essential to verify the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules governing nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and limits on visible emissions or the opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are typically designed to reduce pollution in the air and are in place to safeguard public health.
