Don't Forget Wood Burning Fireplace: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a great way to warm your home. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. Airflow can be controlled with a damper and is an essential element in maintaining a high-quality combustion. The kind of firewood used can also make a difference in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides warmth. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The quality and condition of your chimney, firebox system, and installation may significantly affect the efficiency of your entire system. The main fuel used in a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is usually purchased in a face cord or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it must be “seasoned” in order to decrease the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp it will not burn as efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year depending on the weather and the conditions of the climate. A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a substantial investment in both time and money to keep it running properly. In woodburner stove to buying a large amount of firewood, owners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating well, and that there is there isn't any combustible materials near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires. Smoke from a wood-burning stove is a source of fine particle pollution which can cause lung damage and cause serious health issues like lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases toxic air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the climate of the earth. Effective EPA certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. To ensure optimal performance, these stoves require an appropriately sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is also crucial to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the flame as this can overload the fire and cause a risky situation. To prevent termite invasion, homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from their home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used for primary or as supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins, and can affect the quality of air inside the home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's important to use only dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven or kiln to remove all of its 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 floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before taking them out of the metal waste bin to be disposed of. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan brush to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside the flame. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dust and soot that is produced. To protect your furniture from stains, you should clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask to keep from breathing in any ash or soot particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the mixture well, and then use a nylon brush scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth. 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 off any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves with wood burning. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, crackling sound of a burning flame and their cozy feel create an atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people seek when they are looking for a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that can cause lung damage. It is crucial to have an effective system to eliminate these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are many ways to design your fireplace to create a unique attractive. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic look. You can also add an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home. You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice since it looks great and goes with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a light airy ambience. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together and call it greige to show their flexibility 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 in a safe manner Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can be a serious risk to safety. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing lung diseases and other health problems. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by emitting carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is working properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires. If the flue liner is degrading, it should be replaced or repaired right away. It is also essential to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, such as curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm indoor air throughout the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes should be swept out from the fireplace on a regular basis to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. Too much ash can restrict the oxygen supply to logs and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which causes more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container. Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass on the front. They can get burns when they touch hot surfaces during and after the fire. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, can be hazardous for children to handle. To stop children from falling into the fire it is recommended that it is recommended that a “safety area” of three feet be constructed around the fireplace. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, especially in the case of a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't working properly, and is poisonous to breathe. In addition, it is essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These may 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 usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.