12 Stats About Wood Burning Fireplace To Make You Look Smart Around Other People

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace

The sound of a fireplace with wood is a fantastic way to warm up the interior of a house. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid dangerous creosote buildup.

The airflow can be controlled by dampers which is an essential element in keeping the combustion efficient. The kind of firewood used can also make a difference and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.

Energy Efficiency

Wood fireplaces can be an attractive design, generating a warm and cozy atmosphere. They aren't energy efficient and can cause harmful pollutant emissions if not maintained properly. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney system and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency of the unit.

The primary fuel for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face cord or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" in order to decrease its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is too moist, it will not burn effectively and may cause a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, based on the weather and the climate.

Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to keep them correctly. In addition to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's operating properly and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the chance of chimney fires as well as room fires.

Smoke from a wood-burning stove has fine particles, which can cause lung damage and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate.

Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a properly size chimney as well as a flue liner to optimize performance. It is crucial to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. To avoid termite infestation, homeowners should also store 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 create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating, and may qualify you for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors, toxins and can affect the quality of air within the home.

The most important thing to remember when using a wood fireplace is to 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 remove all of its moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stored for a few months prior to using.

Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool prior to scooping them into an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep away any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the fire.

Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that will be created. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles.

Start by filling a large 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, then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to clean and clean the cleaning solution.

Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once 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 have a beauty that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a fire roaring and the cozy atmosphere they give have stood the test time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people seek when shopping for fireplaces.

While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can harm your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place to aid in eliminating these harmful substances. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home.

There are several ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and unique. You can paint it to match the style of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic look. You can also install a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in your home.

You can also alter the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also referred to 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 lead to serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause lung diseases. They also release hazardous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by emitting carbon dioxide and methane.

The flue of a wood stove needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it functions correctly. A clean and functional chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.

If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired immediately. Keep flammable items like curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to circulate warm air around 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 blocking the air flow. As  log burning stoves for sale fireplacesandstove  can limit the flow of oxygen to logs and reduce combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or other noncombustible container.

Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of glass on the front. Children can be burned when they touch hot surfaces after and during an fire. In addition, the different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, are unsafe for children to handle. To ensure that children do not falling into the fire and causing harm, it is recommended that a "safety area" of three feet must be set up around the fireplace.

It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, particularly when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove are not functioning correctly, and it is poisonous to breathe.

It is also essential to check the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These may include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions/opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.