Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous creosote build-ups. Airflow can be controlled using dampers which is an essential element in maintaining efficient combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash produce less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful feature, creating warm and inviting atmosphere. However, they aren't efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of the unit. The primary fuel for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which can be purchased in a face or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it should be seasoned to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp it will not burn as efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained properly. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections will 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 including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other air pollutants that are toxic including volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can harm the climate of the earth. Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a properly sized chimney and installation of flue liner to maximize performance. It is also crucial to buy seasoned firewood and beware of the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the flame as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood away from their house to avoid termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplementary heat sources and could be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors and toxins and can negatively affect air quality within the home. When burning wood in the fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup and soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven, or kiln to remove all moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and stacked 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 cool before placing them in the metal waste bin to dispose of. Use a dustpan or whisk broom to sweep away any other debris that may have accumulated outside of the fire. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that are created. You should clear a working area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. Wear a dust mask so that you don't breathe in soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. 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 wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanness then employ a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. Their rustic look, crackling sound of a burning fire and their warm feel create an ambience that has stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people seek when shopping for a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces can be ideal for heating your home However, they also emit harmful gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can cause lung damage. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place that can aid in eliminating these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home. There are a variety of ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and visually appealing. You can paint it to fit the style of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also build a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also alter 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, which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also referred to 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. wood burning stove outdoor If they are not maintained and operated in a safe manner If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious safety risks. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by emitting carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is degrading the flue liner should be replaced or repaired immediately. Keep flammable materials like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation which allows warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney. Clean up the ashes regularly to avoid them blocking the airflow and becoming too large in size. As much ash can limit the flow of oxygen to the logs, and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which causes more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of steel or another non-combustible container. Children should be kept out from the fireplace area particularly when it has an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they can get burned. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, are dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot safety zone should be established around the fireplace to prevent children coming in contact with it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is also a great idea especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove aren't functioning correctly, and it is harmful to breathe. In addition, it is essential to check the state, local, and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations might include nuisance/odor rules, no-burn days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.
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