The crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to warm up the interior of a house. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.
Airflow can be controlled using a damper and is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods like oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful feature, creating an inviting and warm ambience. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may greatly affect the effectiveness of the appliance.
The primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Before burning firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" in order to decrease the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not be able to burn efficiently and can create lots of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate.
A wood burning fireplace requires a significant investment in terms of both money and time to keep it running properly. In addition, to purchasing a large amount of firewood, owners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is operating well, and that there is no combustible material is stored near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will lower the chance of room and chimney fires.
Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particle pollution, which can harm the lungs and cause serious health problems including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants like volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke may contribute to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that can affect the earth's climate.
Effective EPA certified wood stoves use a second combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a proper size chimney and the installation of flue liner to maximize performance. It is also important to purchase seasoned firewood, 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. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also keep their firewood away from their home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the air quality in your home.
The most important thing to remember when using a wood fireplace is to make use of dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is best only to burn clean and seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire, sweep up ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before taking them out of a metal waste bin to be disposed of. Make use of a brush or a Broom to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dirt and soot generated. To keep your furniture safe 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 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (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 areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls as well as the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a clean, damp cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, clean off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves that burn wood.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. The rustic look of wood fireplaces and the sound of a fire roaring and the warm feeling they give have stood the test time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing a fireplace.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that could cause lung damage. Although woodburner stove are generally well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place that can assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. Many prefer zero clearance designs for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gases in their home.
There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can choose to use recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance, or you can choose to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will create a functional and fun feature for your home.
You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white, which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is another option that works well with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, which is 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 cause serious safety concerns if they're not properly maintained and operated. They emit smoke, which is a fine particle of pollution that can penetrate deeply 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 inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it's working properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires.
If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also essential to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to move warm air around the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace regularly to prevent them from building up too deep and blocking the air flow. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply for logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion 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, particularly when there is glass front. They can get burns if they touch the hot surfaces during and after the fire. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To stop children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, a "safety area" of three feet be constructed around it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is a good idea too particularly if you own wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is harmful to breathe.
It is also important to be aware of state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These may include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for the smoke that is emitted from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often aimed at reducing air pollution and are in place to protect the health of the public.
