bottomgrowth1

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to prevent the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. A damper is a crucial element in maintaining a high quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a beautiful amenity that creates a cozy ambiance and provides warmth. However, they are not efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The kind of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may significantly affect the overall 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”) It is essential to “seasoned” to lower the water content and improve its energy density before use. If the wood is moist, it won't burn efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a full year, depending on weather and the climate. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained properly. In addition, to purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, is working well, and that there is there isn't any combustible materials near the unit. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the chance of chimney fires and room fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves is a source of fine particle pollution which can harm the lungs and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases toxic air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that could alter the climate of the earth. Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to reduce the generation of harmful emissions during firing. They also require a properly size chimney as well as an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is essential to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, causing a dangerous situation. Additionally, homeowners should store their firewood outside of the house to avoid termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors, toxins and can affect the quality of air inside the 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 buildup and soot. Kiln dried wood is treated in a kiln or oven to remove all moisture. It is best only to burn clean well-seasoned wood that has been split up and stacked for several months prior to using. Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure that the ashes are cool before taking them out of an aluminum waste bin for disposal. Using a dust pan or whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that are created. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a mask to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles. Begin by filling up 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 in the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanness, make use of glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy ambience create an atmosphere that has stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating, they also emit harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can harm your lungs. While small log burning stove are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place that can aid in eliminating these harmful substances. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design to reduce the amount of harmful gases present in your home. There are a variety of ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and visually appealing. You can paint it to match the style of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also build a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, creating a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which is beautiful and complements the majority of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white, which opens up 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 even mix gray and beige together and call it greige to highlight this versatility 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 Wood burning fireplaces can cause serious safety hazards if they are not properly maintained and operated. They emit fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane. The flue in a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it's functioning properly. A clean, functioning flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is becoming worn, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Be contemporary wood burning stoves to keep flammable objects, such as drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm air throughout the home so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Regularly sweep out the ashes to prevent them from blocking the airflow and accumulating too deeply. A lot of ash can impede the oxygen supply to logs and reduce combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or another noncombustible container. Children should be kept out from the area around the fireplace, especially if it has an open glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can be burned. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, can be dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” should be established around the fireplace to stop children from coming into contact with it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is also a great idea especially if you have 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 important to verify state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These regulations might include odor or nuisance rules, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.