lunglamb9

Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous build-ups of creosote. A damper is a crucial element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The kind of firewood used can be a factor and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be an attractive feature, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can cause harmful air pollution if they are not maintained in a timely manner. The condition and the quality of your chimney system, and installation may be a major factor in the efficiency of your entire system. Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before using firewood, it must be “seasoned” in order to decrease the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet it won't burn effectively and will result in a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a year or more, depending on the weather and the climate. Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to keep them correctly. In addition to buying a large amount 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 properly, and that there is no combustible material close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can help reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires. The smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves utilize an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. To optimize performance they require a properly sized chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is also crucial to buy seasoned firewood and beware of the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the flame as this can overload the fire and cause a risky situation. To avoid termite infestation, homeowners should also store their firewood far away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or as supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors, which can affect the air quality inside your home. The most important thing to remember when burning a fireplace made of wood is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven or kiln to remove all moisture content. It is best to only use clean, seasoned wood that has been cut up and stacked for several months before use. Before lighting a fire remove ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes are cool completely before throwing them into a metal bin. Utilizing the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot that is produced. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. You will also want to wear a dust mask in order to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls as well as surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub off any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for wood burning stoves. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic look 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 look for this feature when buying a fireplace. wood burning stove sale -burning fireplaces can be ideal for heating your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can harm your lungs. It is important to have an effective system that can eliminate these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are several ways to make your fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also install a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which is beautiful and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a light, airy atmosphere. Gray is a different option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners even 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 not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces can pose serious dangers to safety. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure that it functions 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 replaced or repaired immediately. It is also crucial to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, such as drapes, curtains and other flammable items. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation which helps move warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace regularly to avoid them accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply for logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or another noncombustible container. Make sure that children are not in the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of glass on the front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they may be burned. In addition, the different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels, are hazardous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not falling into the fire and causing harm, an “safety area” of three feet should be created around it. It is an excellent 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 may be a problem in the wood stove if the chimney are not functioning properly. Finally, it is important to be aware of state, local and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules regarding nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limits on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.