Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace

Nothing warms a home like the crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote.

A damper is an essential element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The type of firewood used may be a factor, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.

Energy Efficiency

Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating warm and inviting atmosphere. They are not energy-efficient and could cause air pollution if not maintained in a timely manner. The quality and condition of your chimney system, and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency.

Firewood is the main 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 prior to its use. If the wood is too wet it will not burn efficiently and can create lots of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, depending on the climate and weather conditions.

Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to maintain them correctly. Apart from purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored close to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires.

The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric depletion of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can affect the earth's climate.


Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use secondary combustion to limit the production of harmful emissions when firing. To maximize performance the stoves need a properly sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is also important to buy seasoned firewood and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the flame as this can overload the fire and create a dangerous situation. To avoid termite infestation, homeowners should also store their firewood away from their home.

Cleanliness

Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and may qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxic odors and toxins that can impact the air quality in your home.

When burning best wood stove in the fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote buildup and soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven, or kiln, to eliminate all of its moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that is split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using.

Before lighting a flame, remove ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into the metal waste bin for disposal. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace.

Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dust, soot and dirt that can be accumulated. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles.

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

Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors using a glass cleaner that is safe for wood burning stoves.

Aesthetics

Wood fireplaces are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces and the sound of a fire roaring and the cozy feeling they provide have stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying 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 damage your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place that can help get rid of these toxins. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases in their home.

There are several ways to make your wood fireplace look more appealing and unique. You can paint it to fit the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also build an edifice of stone that leads to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home.

You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as 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 feel. Gray is a third option that can be paired with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige 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 lead to serious safety issues if not properly maintained and operated. They emit fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.

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

If the flue is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired immediately. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. 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.

Clean up the ashes regularly to prevent them from blocking the airflow and accumulating too deeply. As much ash can limit the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a metal bucket or any other non-combustible container.

Make sure that children are not in the area around the fireplace, particularly when there is glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could get burned. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes can be hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot "safety zone" should be established around the fireplace to stop children from coming into contact with it.

It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in the home, particularly in the case of a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem if the wood stove and chimney are not functioning properly.

It is also important to check the local, state and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include odor or nuisance rules, "no-burn" days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are often aimed at reducing pollution in the air and are in place to safeguard public health.