10 Facts About Wood Burning Fireplace That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The crackle of a wood-burning fireplace is a great way to warm the interior of a house. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote.
A damper is an essential component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The kind of firewood used can also affect the outcome in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful design, generating an inviting and warm environment. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can contribute to pollutant emissions if not maintained properly. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney and installation may significantly impact the efficiency of the unit.
The primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Before burning firewood, it should be "seasoned", to reduce its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp it will not burn as efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, depending on the climate and weather conditions.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment in terms of both time and money to keep it running properly. In addition, to purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is operating correctly, and that there isn't any combustible materials near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires.
The smoke that comes from wood-burning fireplaces contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues, including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the reductions in ozone and greenhouse gases, which can impact the climate of the earth.
Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a proper size chimney and the installation of flue liner to maximize performance. It is crucial to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. In addition, homeowners should store their firewood outside of the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and may qualify you for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxins and unpleasant odors, which can affect the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. 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 stacked for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a flame, remove ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into a metal waste bin for disposal. Utilizing the whisk or a dust pan, broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other stray debris that has accumulated around the fireplace.
Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that can be accumulated. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. You will also want to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles.
Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix the solution well, then use a nylon brush scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, wipe off any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for wood burning stoves.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic look of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a burning fire and the cozy atmosphere they provide have stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be great to heat your home however, they also release harmful gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can cause lung damage. Although wood heater stove are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place that can aid in eliminating these toxins. Many prefer a zero clearance design for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home.
There are many ways to design your fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can paint it to be in line with the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also build an edifice of stone 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 looks beautiful and complements the majority of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace white which lets light into the space and creates light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is on trend. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige called greige to celebrate this flexibility 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
Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They release fine particles that can get into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it's working properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can help keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is becoming worn, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also crucial to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, including curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Ashes should be swept out from the fireplace on a regular basis to prevent them from building up too deep and blocking the air flow. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which will 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.
Be sure to keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly if there is glass front. They can get burns when they touch hot surfaces while they are in the fire. In addition, the different tools used to maintain a fireplace like brushes, pokers, log lifers and shovels, are unsafe for children to handle. To ensure that children do not getting into the fireplace accidentally it is recommended that a "safety area" of three feet must be created around the fireplace.
It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in the home, especially in the case of wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not functioning correctly, and it is poisonous to breathe.
It is also important to be aware of state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations might include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.