7 Simple Tips For Making A Statement With Your Wood Burning Fireplace

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace

The sound of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to warm the interior of a house. If you have one, it is essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid dangerous creosote build-ups.

A damper is an essential element in maintaining a high quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash produce less creosote.

Energy Efficiency

Wood fireplaces are a beautiful design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides warmth. They aren't energy efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if they are not maintained in a timely manner. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency of the unit.

The main fuel used in a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is typically bought in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). The wood must be "seasoned" to reduce its water content and improve its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is moist it won't burn effectively and will result in a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood burner for seasoning can take months or even a whole year, depending on weather and the climate.

Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to maintain them properly. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is working properly, and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections can reduce the chance of fires in chimneys and room fires.

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

Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a properly sized chimney and installation of a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also essential to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the flame as it can cause fire to become too hot and create a dangerous situation. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood away from the home to prevent termite infestation.

Cleanliness

small Wood Burning stoves-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used as primary or as supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit harmful odors and toxic substances which can negatively impact the quality of air in your home.

When burning wood in the fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote buildup and soot. Kiln dried wood is treated by heating or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is best to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and stacked for a few months prior to using.

Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure that the ashes are cool before taking them out of the metal waste bin for disposal. With an empty pan or a whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.

When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot generated. It is important to clear a work space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You should also wear a dust mask in order to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles.

Start by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix the mixture well, then use a nylon brush scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution.

Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors using a glass cleaner safe for wood burning stoves.

Aesthetics

Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy feel provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying fireplaces.

Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal to heat your home However, they also emit harmful gasses. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that can harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well ventilated, it is essential to have an effective system in place that can help get rid of these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases present in your home.

There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and attractive. You can make use of reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel, or you can choose to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will make a functional and fun feature in your home.

You can also change the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which looks beautiful and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the room and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is another option that can be paired with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, also known as greige to celebrate this aesthetic and flexibility.

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 issues if not properly maintained and operated. They emit fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane.

The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it functions properly. A clean, efficient flue helps keep carbon monoxide leaks from becoming dangerous and chimney fires.

If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. It is also crucial to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, such as drapes, curtains and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney.

Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace regularly to avoid them accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can impede the oxygen supply to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also causes 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 area around the fireplace particularly when it has an open glass front. There is a risk of burns when they touch hot surfaces after and during an fire. The numerous tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for small wood burning stoves children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" is recommended around the fireplace to avoid children coming in contact with it.

Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is a good idea too especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove are not working properly, and is a poison to breathe.

It is also crucial to check the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These may include odor or nuisance 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 safeguard public health.