Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a home like the sound of a wood burning fireplace. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid dangerous creosote buildup.
A damper is an important part of maintaining a good combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating a warm and cozy environment. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and could cause air pollution if not maintained correctly. The quality and condition of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could significantly affect the overall efficiency.
Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") The wood must be "seasoned" to reduce the water content and increase the energy density prior to its use. If the wood is damp, it won't burn efficiently and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a year depending on the weather and the climate.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment both in money and time to maintain it properly. In addition to buying an enormous amount of firewood, owners must regularly inspect and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, operates well, and that there is there is no combustible material near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires.
Smoke from wood-burning stoves has fine particles, which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the earth's climate.
Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To maximize performance they require the proper size chimney as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is also important to purchase seasoned firewood, and resist the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the flame as they can add fuel to the fire and cause a risky situation. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood away from their house to help prevent termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used for primary or additional heating and could qualify for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxic odors and toxins that can impact the air quality inside your home.
The most important thing to remember when using a fireplace made of wood is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven or kiln, to eliminate all moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been split and stacked for a few months prior to using.
Before lighting a flame, take the ashes off the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before you dump them into an aluminum bin. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan Broom to sweep away any other debris that may have accumulated outside the fire.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dust and soot that will be produced. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any particles of soot or ash.
Start by filling the bucket with a gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use clean, damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping procedure until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When 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
Wood fireplaces are stunning and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the cozy feeling they provide have stood the test time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing a fireplace.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to help get rid of these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are many different ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and attractive. You can make use of reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel or you could opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also include an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will make a functional and fun feature in your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a fresh, airy atmosphere. Gray is a different option that works well with a variety of styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together called 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 not maintained and operated properly Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious dangers to safety. They emit fine particle pollution that can enter deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change through the release of 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, efficient flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.
If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable materials like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate 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 prevent them from becoming a block to airflow and then becoming too large in size. Fireplaces & Stove of ash can reduce the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and leading to more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of metal or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept away from the fireplace area, especially in the case of an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they can get burned. The many tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels are also dangerous for children to handle. To stop children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, a "safety area" of three feet must be created around the fireplace.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is also a great idea especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove are not working properly, and is harmful to breathe.
In addition, it is essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These regulations might include nuisance/odor rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for the smoke that is emitted from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.