Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace

Nothing warms a house like the roar of a wood-burning fireplace. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous creosote build-ups.

A damper is a crucial component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The type of firewood used may be a factor and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.

Energy Efficiency

Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can contribute to air pollution if not maintained properly. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, the chimney and installation may greatly affect the effectiveness of the unit.

The main fuel source for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which can be purchased in a face or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). The wood must be "seasoned" to lower the water content and increase its energy density before use. If the wood is not sufficiently moist, it will not burn effectively and may cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a full year depending on the weather and the climate.

A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment in both money and time to keep it running properly. In addition, to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, is working well, and that there is no combustible material is stored close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires.

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

Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To maximize performance, these stoves require the proper size chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is essential to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also store their firewood away from their homes.

Cleanliness

wood burning stoves For sheds-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or additional heating and may qualify you for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins and can negatively affect air quality within the home.

The most important thing to remember when burning a wood fireplace is to make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that is split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using.

Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before throwing them into a metal bin. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other debris that has accumulated around the fireplace.

When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dust and soot that will be generated. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a mask to ensure that you don't breathe in particles of soot or ash.

Start by filling the bucket with a gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls as well as the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.

Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for wood burning stoves.

Aesthetics

Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a roaring fire and their cozy feel create a cozy atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. This is one feature that many people look for when looking for a fireplace.

While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can cause lung damage. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place to assist in the elimination of these toxins. This is why many people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home.

There are many different ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can use reclaimed wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or you could opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also add an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home.

You can also change the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which looks stunning and is a perfect match for most homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is another option that is compatible with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige and call it greige to highlight this versatility 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

If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. 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. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by release of carbon dioxide and methane.

A wood stove's flue should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it is working properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.

If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired immediately. Keep flammable items, such as curtains, drapes and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to move warm air around the home to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney.

Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to avoid them blocking airflow and accumulating too deeply. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply for logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a bucket made of metal or any other non-combustible container.

Children should be kept out from the fireplace especially if it has glass front. Children can be burned if they touch the hot surfaces after and during a fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, pokers, wood burning stoves for sheds log lifers and shovels, are dangerous for kids to handle. To ensure that children do not falling into the fire, an "safety area" of three feet be constructed around the fireplace.

Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is also a great idea, especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is harmful to breathe.

It is also important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These may include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.