notemint0

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. Airflow can be controlled with a damper, and this is a crucial element of maintaining efficient combustion. The type of firewood used can also be a factor and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides warmth. However, they are not efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The condition and quality of your chimney system, and installation may be a major factor in the overall efficiency. The main fuel used in a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which can be purchased in a face or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it needs to be “seasoned”, to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not burn as efficiently and could cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a year or more, 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 in a proper manner. In addition to buying large quantities of firewood, owners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is operating properly, and that no combustible material is stored near 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 harm the lungs and lead to serious health issues like lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the earth's climate. Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a proper size chimney as well as a flue liner to optimize performance. It is important 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 prevent termite invasion homeowners should also store their firewood far away from their home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxins and unpleasant odors that can impact the air quality in your home. The most important thing to remember when using a fireplace made of wood is to make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote buildup as well as soot. 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 wood that has been cut up and stacked for several months prior to using. Before lighting a fire remove ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cooled completely before dumping them in a metal bin. Use a dustpan or whisk broom to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from dirt, soot and dust that are created. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a mask to keep from breathing in any soot or ash particles. Begin by filling an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After wood fire stove for sale have scrubbed the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, scrub off any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic look of fireplaces made of wood as well as the roar of a burning fire and the warm feeling they provide have stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people seek when looking for fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces can be ideal for heating your home, but they also emit harmful gasses. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that could cause lung damage. It is essential to have a system that can remove these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design which helps to lower the quantity of harmful gases that are present in your home. There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home. You can also alter your chimney's color. A popular choice is black, which looks stunning and complements the majority of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the room and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is another option that is compatible with many different styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, which is 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 cause serious safety hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They emit fine particle pollution that can enter deep into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it's working properly. A clean, well-functioning flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is getting worn out it is recommended to replace it or repaired right away. Keep flammable items, such as drapes, curtains, and other flammable objects away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air through the home so that it doesn't get pushed 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 will reduce the oxygen supply for logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or in a non-combustible container. Make sure that children are not in the area around the fireplace, particularly if there is a glass front. There is a risk of burns by touching the hot surfaces while they are in a fire. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to stop children accidentally coming into contact with it. It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially in the case of wood stove . Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is harmful to breathe. It is also crucial to verify the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, “no-burn” days and visible emission limits or 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.