Why No One Cares About Wood Burning Fireplace
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the roar of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous creosote build-ups.
The airflow can be controlled by a damper, and this is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash produce less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a stunning amenity, creating an inviting and warm environment. However, they aren't efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The kind of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can greatly affect the efficiency of the unit.
Firewood is 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 using firewood, it should be "seasoned" to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet, it won't burn efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a year dependent on the weather and the conditions of the climate.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment in both time and money to maintain it properly. Apart from purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free from obstructions and functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the chance of chimney fires as well as room fires.
The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health problems, including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the earth's climate.
Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize an additional combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To optimize performance, these stoves require an appropriately sized chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is also crucial to buy seasoned firewood and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the flame as they can add fuel to the fire and cause a risky situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also keep their firewood away from the home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other forms of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and may qualify for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors which can negatively impact the air quality in your home.
When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's essential to use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried wood is treated in a kiln or oven to eliminate all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire, remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into a metal bin. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.
When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dirt and soot generated. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. It is also recommended to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When large wood burning stove are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe off any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves that burn wood.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fire places cannot rival. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a burning fire and their warm feel create an atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people are looking for when shopping for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can cause lung damage. While the fireplaces are usually well ventilated, it is essential to have an effective system in place that can assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. This is why a lot of people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design which helps to lower the quantity of harmful gases that are present in your home.
There are several ways to make your fireplace look more appealing and distinctive. You can paint it to be in line with the style of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also include an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will make a functional and fun feature in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice since it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a fresh airy feel. Gray is a popular color that goes with many styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, which is also known as greige, to highlight this style and its versatility.
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 lead to serious safety hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They release smoke, which contains fine particle pollution that can penetrate deeply 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 is also a contributor to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is deteriorating it is recommended to replace it or repaired immediately. Be sure to keep flammable objects like curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which helps move warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney.
Ashes should be cleared from the fireplace on a regular basis to avoid them accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can impede the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of steel or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept away from the fireplace, especially when it has a glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The many tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To prevent children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, a "safety area" of three feet be set up around the fireplace.
It is an excellent idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, especially when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not working properly, and is poisonous to breathe.
Finally, it is important to be aware of state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules for nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and limits on visible emissions or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.