An Adventure Back In Time: What People Discussed About Wood Burning Fireplace 20 Years Ago
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic way to warm up a home. If you have one, it's essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid dangerous creosote build-ups.
A damper is an important part of maintaining a good combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are an attractive design that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency of the appliance.
Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") It is essential to "seasoned" to lower the water content and improve its energy density before use. If the wood is wet, it won't burn efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a full year or more, based on the climate and weather conditions.
Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained correctly. In addition to purchasing a large amount of firewood, owners must regularly inspect and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, operates properly, and that there is no combustible material near the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections can help reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires.
The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems such as heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could alter the climate of the earth.
Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions when firing. They also require a proper size chimney as well as an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is also essential to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire as they can add fuel to the fire and create a dangerous situation. To prevent termite invasion, homeowners should also store their firewood away from the home.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or additional heating and could qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit toxic odors and toxins, which can affect the quality of air in your home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is then treated in a kiln or oven to remove all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to use.
Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are cool before taking them out of a metal waste bin to be disposed of. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot produced. You should clear a working area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You should also wear a dust mask 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 ammonia from your home. Mix well and then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use clean damp cloth to clean and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness, employ the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are stunning and cannot be compared to modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sound of a burning fire and their cozy ambience provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people seek when shopping for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can cause lung damage. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place to aid in eliminating these harmful substances. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for wood-burning fireplaces since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home.
There are many ways to design your fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also install a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, creating 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 most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular choice that can be paired with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige, to show this 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 fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Fireplaces & Stove contributes to climate changes by release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it functions correctly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is degrading the flue liner should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Be sure to keep flammable objects like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air through the house so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney.
Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace regularly to keep them from accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace especially when it has a glass front. Children can be burned if they touch the hot surfaces after and during a fire. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not falling into the fire and causing harm, a "safety area" of three feet should be set up around the fireplace.
It is an excellent idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, especially if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove are not operating properly, and is harmful to breathe.
It is also crucial to check the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules for odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions or opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.