scentoption5

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the roar of a wood burning fireplace. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid the risk of creosote buildup. A damper is a crucial element in maintaining a high quality combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash produce less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be an attractive design, generating a warm and cozy environment. They are not energy-efficient and can contribute to pollutant emissions if not maintained correctly. The condition and the quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could be a major factor in the overall efficiency. Firewood is the main fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it should be “seasoned” to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not be able to burn as efficiently and could cause lots of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a year or more, based on the climate and weather conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that combustible materials are not stored close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particle pollution, which can cause lung damage and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants including volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in ozone and greenhouse gases, which can harm the earth's climate. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. They also require a suitable size chimney as well as an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is essential to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, creating a risky situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also keep their firewood far away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used for primary or as supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release toxins and unpleasant odors, which can affect the air quality inside your home. The most important thing to remember when burning a wood fireplace is to always use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in an oven or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is best to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been sliced 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. Make sure you wait until the ashes are cool completely before you dump them into an aluminum bin. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan broom to sweep away any other debris that may have accumulated outside the flame. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dust, soot and dirt that will be created. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a mask to ensure that you don't inhale any soot or ash particles. Begin by filling an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with your cleanliness then use the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood and the sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they create have stood the test of time. Many people look for this feature when purchasing a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces can be excellent for heating your home However, they also emit dangerous gasses. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that can harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place that can aid in eliminating these toxins. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home. There are many ways to make your wood fireplace look more appealing and unique. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give it a rustic look or opt to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also install an outdoor stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. wood fire stove for sale www.fireplacesandstove.com is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular choice that can be paired with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners mix gray and beige called greige to celebrate this flexibility and aesthetic. 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 If they are not maintained and operated in a safe manner, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. They release fine particles that can enter deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by emitting carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure that it functions properly. A clean, efficient flue helps keep carbon monoxide leaks from becoming dangerous and chimney fires. If the flue liner is becoming worn, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable items, such as curtains, drapes and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to move warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney. Clean up the ashes regularly to prevent them from becoming a block to airflow and then becoming too large in size. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a metal container or in a non-combustible container. Children should be kept out from the fireplace area especially in the case of a glass front. There is a risk of burns if they touch the hot surfaces while they are in an fire. The many tools employed to maintain fireplaces like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. To prevent children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, a “safety area” of three feet be set up around the fireplace. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is also a great idea particularly if you own wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may build up when the wood stove and chimney are not working properly. In addition, it is essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules regarding odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.