7 Simple Tricks To Rocking Your Wood Burning Fireplace

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace

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

A damper is an essential element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The kind of firewood used can also be a factor in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.

Energy Efficiency

Wood fireplaces can be a stunning amenity, creating an inviting and warm ambience. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The kind of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, the chimney and installation may greatly affect the efficiency of the unit.

Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Firewood must be "seasoned" to reduce its water content and increase its energy density before use. If the wood is not sufficiently moist, it will not burn effectively and may cause many creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a year or more, depending on the weather and climate conditions.

A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment both in money and time to keep it running properly. In addition to buying large quantities of firewood, owners should regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, is working properly, and that there is no combustible material close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can help reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires.

The smoke that comes from wood-burning fireplaces contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues such as heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric depletion of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can impact the climate of the earth.

Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during firing. To maximize performance the stoves need an appropriately sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is also important to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the fire, as this can overload the fire and cause a risky situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also keep their firewood in a safe location away from the home.

Cleanliness

Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used as primary or additional heating and could qualify for tax credits. However  small wood burning stove  can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins, and can affect the quality of air within the home.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning in a wood fireplace is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is treated in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut up and stacked for several months prior to use.

Before lighting a fire take the ashes off the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into an aluminum bin. Make use of a brush or a Broom to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside of the fire.

When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dirt and soot that will be produced. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any soot or ash particles.

Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the solution well, and then use a nylon brush to scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to clean and clean the cleaning solution.

Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors using an approved glass cleaner for wood burning stoves.

Aesthetics

Wood fireplaces are beautiful and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they create have stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when buying fireplaces.

While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can harm your lungs. It is essential to have a system that can remove these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home.

There are a variety of ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can make use of 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 include an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home.

You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks great and goes with the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a light, airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular color that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, also referred to as greige, to highlight this style and its versatility.

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 maintained and operated properly. They release smoke that is a fine particle of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause lung diseases and other health problems. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.

The flue in a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires.

If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also essential to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to move warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney.

Ashes must be removed of the fireplace regularly to avoid them accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. Too much ash can restrict the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also results in more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of metal or other noncombustible container.

Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly when there is glass on the front. Children can be burned when they touch hot surfaces after and during an fire. In addition, the different tools used to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, pokers, log lifers, and shovels, are unsafe for children to handle. To ensure that children do not accidentally contacting the fireplace, an "safety area" of three feet should 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 operating properly, and is harmful to breathe.

It is also crucial to be aware of the local, state and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules for odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often focused on reducing pollution in the air and are in place to protect the health of the public.