11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Okay To Make With Your Wood Burning Fireplace Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace

The sound of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to warm a home. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid the risk of creosote buildup.

The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is an essential element in maintaining efficient combustion. The kind of firewood used may be a factor and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.

Energy Efficiency

Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating warm and inviting atmosphere. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can contribute to air pollution if they are not maintained properly. The kind of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney and installation may greatly affect the efficiency of the appliance.


Firewood is the primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Before using firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is too moist it will not be able to burn efficiently and can create lots of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a year or more, depending on the weather and the climate.

A fireplace that burns wood requires a substantial investment in both money and time to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, owners should regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, operates correctly, and that there isn't any combustible materials close to the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires.

Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particle pollution, which can damage the lungs and cause serious health issues like lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke can contribute to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that can influence the earth's climate.

Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ a second combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance, these stoves require the proper size chimney as well as installation of a flue lining. It is also essential to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the flame as it can cause fire to become too hot and create a dangerous situation. In addition homeowners should store their firewood outside of the home to prevent termite infestation.

Cleanliness

Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other forms 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. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors which can negatively impact the air quality inside 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 help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in an oven or kiln to remove all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stored for a few months prior to use.

Before you start a fire sweep up ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure the ashes are completely cool before placing them in the metal waste bin for disposal. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep away any other stray 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 that is generated. To safeguard your furniture from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask to ensure that you don't inhale 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 the mixture well, then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth.

Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness you can employ a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors.

Aesthetics

Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they provide have stood the test time. Many people look for this feature when purchasing a fireplace.

While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. It is essential to have a system that can eliminate these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why many people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design to reduce the amount of harmful gases present in your home.

There are several ways to make your wood fireplace look more appealing and unique. You can paint it to match the style of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also build a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, creating a fun and functional feature in your home.

You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice since it looks great and goes with most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular option that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also known as greige, to show 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 create serious safety hazards if they are not maintained and operated properly. They release smoke that contains fine particle pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs to cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by emitting carbon dioxide and methane.

The flue of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it's functioning properly. A clean, well-functioning flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.

If the flue liner is deteriorating it is recommended to replace it or repaired right away. Be sure to keep flammable objects like drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm indoor air throughout the home so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney.

Ashes should be swept out 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, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or in a non-combustible container.

Be sure to keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly when there is a glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The many tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" must be set up around the fireplace to prevent children coming in contact with it.

It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and accumulate when the wood stove and chimney are not working properly.

In addition, it is essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules for odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.