10 Facts About Wood Burning Fireplace That Will Instantly Make You Feel Good Mood
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
The sound of a wood-burning fireplace is a great method to warm up a home. If you have one, it is essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous creosote build-ups.
A damper is an essential part of maintaining a good combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash produce less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces are a beautiful design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides heat. However, they are not energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The kind of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the overall efficiency of the appliance.
The main fuel source for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is usually purchased in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it must be "seasoned" in order to decrease the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is too wet it will not burn efficiently and can create lots of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a year or more, based on the weather and the climate.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment in both time and money to keep it running properly. In addition, to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, operates properly, and that there isn't any combustible materials close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will reduce the risk of chimney fires as well as room fires.
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The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues, including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases toxic air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the climate of the earth.
Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use secondary combustion to limit the production of harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a proper size chimney as well as an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is essential to use seasoned wood 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. Additionally homeowners should keep their firewood away from their home to prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other types of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or supplementary heat sources and may qualify 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 harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's essential to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated in an oven or kiln to remove all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that has been split and stored for a few months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire, sweep up ash from the fireplace floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to placing them in a metal waste bin for disposal. Use a dustpan or whisk broom to sweep away any other debris that may have accumulated outside of the fire.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot produced. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You should also wear a dust mask in order to keep from breathing in 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 household. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness then employ the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors.
Aesthetics
Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a burning fire and the warm feeling they create have stood the test of time. This is a feature that many people look for when looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. It is essential to have a system that can remove these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated.
woodburning stove is the reason why many prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home.
There are a variety of ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and attractive. You can paint it to match the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will make an interesting and enjoyable feature in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks stunning and is compatible with most homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular choice that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, which is also known as greige to celebrate 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 concerns if they're not properly maintained and operated. They emit smoke, which is a fine particle of pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs and cause lung diseases and other health problems. They also release hazardous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by 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 functioning chimney flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is getting worn out the flue liner should be replaced or repaired right away. Keep flammable materials like curtains, drapes, and other flammable objects, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation which allows warm air through the home so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to prevent them from blocking the airflow and building up too much. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply for logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or a similar noncombustible container.
Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially when there is glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they may be burned. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes and shovels can be hazardous for children to handle. To stop children from accidentally contacting the fireplace, a "safety area" of three feet be set up around it.
Installing an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector in the house is also a great idea especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't functioning correctly, and it is a poison to breathe.
It is also important to check the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules for nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.