Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace

Nothing warms a home like the sound of a wood-burning fireplace. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote.

The airflow can be controlled by a damper and is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash produce less creosote.

Energy Efficiency

Wood fireplaces are a beautiful design that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. They are not energy-efficient and can contribute to air pollution if not maintained properly. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may greatly affect the efficiency of the appliance.

Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is usually purchased 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 prior to use. If the wood is moist it will not burn as efficiently and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a full year depending on the weather and climate conditions.

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

The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health issues such as heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other air pollutants that are toxic, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone which can affect the earth's climate.

Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To maximize performance they require a properly sized chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is also essential to buy seasoned firewood and resist the temptation to add accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire, as it can cause fire to become too hot and cause a risky situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also store their firewood far away from their homes.

Cleanliness

Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other forms of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can emit harmful odors and toxic substances, which can affect the quality of air in your home.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning a wood fireplace is to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is then treated in an oven or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is best only to burn clean well-seasoned wood that has been sliced into pieces and then stacked for several months before use.

Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool before placing them in a metal waste bin for disposal. Use a dustpan or whisk brush to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside the fire.

Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that are created. To safeguard stove wood burning from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any particles of soot or ash.

Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix the mixture well, and then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off.


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, clean off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves with wood burning.

Aesthetics

Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic look, crackling sounds of a roaring fire and their warm feel create an ambience that has stood the test of time. This is a feature that many people look for when shopping for a fireplace.

While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well ventilated, it is essential to have an effective system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. Many prefer a zero clearance design for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gases in their home.

There are a variety of ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can make use of 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 make an interesting and enjoyable feature in your home.

You can also change the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which looks beautiful and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a light airy feel. Gray is a popular option that goes with many styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also referred to as greige, to show 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 cause serious safety issues if not properly maintained and operated. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs, causing lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane.

The flue in a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it is working as it should. A clean and functioning chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.

If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also crucial to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, such as drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation which helps move warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney.

Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply for logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or another noncombustible container.

Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of glass on the front. Children can be burned by touching the hot surfaces while they are in the fire. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace like brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, can be dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" must be set up around the fireplace to prevent children accidentally coming into contact with it.

It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in the home, particularly if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove are not functioning correctly, and it is poisonous to breathe.

Finally, it is important to check the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules governing nuisances and odors, "no-burn days" and restrictions on visible emissions or opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are typically focused on reducing air pollution and are in place to protect the health of the public.