Nothing is more welcoming than the crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.
The airflow can be controlled by dampers, and this is a crucial element of maintaining efficient combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a stunning design, generating an inviting and warm atmosphere. They aren't energy efficient and could cause pollutant emissions if not maintained properly. The quality and condition of your firebox, chimney system, and installation may have a significant impact on the efficiency of your entire system.
The main fuel used in a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Firewood must be "seasoned" to reduce the water content and increase its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is damp, it won't burn efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a full year, depending on weather and climate conditions.
A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in terms of both time and money to maintain it properly. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is operating properly and that combustible materials are not stored close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires.
The smoke from wood-burning fireplaces is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases. outdoor wood burning stove releases harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke may contribute to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that alter the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use secondary combustion to reduce the generation of harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance they require an appropriately sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is also essential to buy firewood that is seasoned and resist 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. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood away from the house to help prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating, and may qualify you for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxic odors and toxins that can impact the air quality in your home.
When burning wood in a fireplace, it is essential to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing 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 recommended to only use clean, seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and then stacked for several 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 you wait until the ashes are cool completely before you dump them into an aluminum bin. With a dust pan or whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other stray debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from dirt, soot and dust that are created. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should 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.
Begin by filling up an enormous bucket with one gallon of 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 use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls and the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanness you can employ a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sound of a burning flame and their cozy ambience provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing fireplaces.
Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal for heating your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. It is essential to have a system that can remove these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why many people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are many ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique attractive. You can use recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance, or you can choose to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also add a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which is beautiful and complements the majority of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace white which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a different option that can be paired with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige and call it greige to highlight this versatility 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 correctly Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious safety risks. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollutants that can be absorbed 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 also contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it functions properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue is showing signs of wear, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable items, such as curtains, drapes and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which allows warm air throughout the home so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney.
Ashes must be removed 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 resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or another noncombustible container.
Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially when there is a glass front. Children can be burned when they touch hot surfaces while they are in the fire. The various tools used to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels are also dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" should be established around the fireplace to avoid children coming in contact with it.
It is an excellent idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially when there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and be a problem in the wood stove if the chimney aren't functioning correctly.
In addition, it is essential to check state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood burning fireplaces. These may include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are often aimed at reducing pollution in the air and are in place to safeguard public health.
