trickneon1

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the sound of a wood-burning fireplace. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. A damper is an essential component of maintaining a healthy 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 design, generating an inviting and warm atmosphere. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if they are not maintained correctly. The condition and the quality of your chimney system, and installation may be a major factor in the overall efficiency. The primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before using firewood, it should be “seasoned” to reduce its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is too moist it will not be able to burn efficiently and can create lots of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a full year, depending on weather and the climate. A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a substantial investment both in time and money to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to buying an enormous amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly inspect and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, is working properly, and that there is no combustible material near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires. The smoke that comes from wood-burning fireplaces has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health problems such as heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the atmospheric depletion ozone as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could influence the earth's climate. Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use secondary combustion to minimize the production of harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance, these stoves require an appropriately sized chimney as well as installation of a flue lining. It is also crucial to buy firewood that is seasoned and resist the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire, as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood away from their home to prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful ambience. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and may qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors which can negatively impact the air quality in your home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only 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 eliminate all moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stored for a few months prior to use. Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before dumping them in a metal bin. With the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that has accumulated around the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that can be accumulated. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a dust mask in order to keep from breathing in any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix the solution well, then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as the areas around your fireplace, clean it off with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, clean down any glass doors using an approved glass cleaner for stoves with wood burning. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood and the sound of a fire burning and the cozy atmosphere they give have stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal for heating your home, but they also emit harmful gases. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well ventilated, it is essential to have a system in place that can aid in eliminating these toxins. Many prefer zero clearance designs for wood-burning fireplaces as they reduce the amount harmful gasses that enter their home. There are several ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel or you could opt to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also build an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also change your chimney's color. The most popular option is black, which looks beautiful and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that can be paired with a variety of styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners even mix beige and gray together called 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 If they are not maintained and operated properly If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could be a serious risk to safety. They release smoke, which is a fine particle of pollution that can get into the lungs, causing lung diseases and other health problems. They also release dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. portable wood stove Fireplaces & Stove of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly. A clean, efficient flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is becoming worn, it should be replaced or repaired immediately. It is also essential to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, which includes drapes, curtains and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is a great way to move warm air around the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney. Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from blocking airflow and becoming too large in size. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of steel or other noncombustible container. Children should be kept out from the fireplace particularly when it has an open glass front. There is a risk of burns by touching the hot surfaces while they are in an fire. The various tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels are also dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not getting into the fireplace accidentally it is recommended that an “safety area” of three feet should be constructed around the fireplace. It is an excellent idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can build up in the wood stove if the chimney aren't functioning correctly. It is also essential to verify the local, state and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These may include odor or nuisance rules, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.