Maintaining a
Wood Stove Advantages Burning Fireplace
Nothing warms a home like the sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to prevent the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts.
A damper is an essential element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The kind of firewood used can also make a difference in the way that hardwoods such as oak and
Wood Stove Advantages ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
corner wood burning stove fireplaces can be an attractive design, generating an inviting and warm environment. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can contribute to pollutant emissions if not maintained in a timely manner. The quality and condition of your chimney system, and installation could significantly affect the efficiency of your entire system.
The primary fuel for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically bought in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it needs to be "seasoned" in order to decrease the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the
wood burner fireplace is too moist it will not burn effectively and may cause a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a whole year depending on the weather and the conditions of the climate.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment both in time and money to keep it running properly. In addition to purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, is working properly, and that there is no combustible material near the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires.
Smoke from wood-burning stoves is a source of fine particle pollution which can damage the lungs and cause serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other harmful air pollutants like volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the reductions in ozone and greenhouse gases, which can impact the earth's climate.
Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use secondary combustion to minimize the production of harmful emissions when firing. To maximize performance they require the proper size chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is crucial to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. In addition, 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 supplemental heating and may qualify you for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors, which can affect the air quality inside your home.
When burning wood in the fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in an oven or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stacked for a few months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire remove ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes are cool completely before you dump them into the bin made of metal. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan Broom to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the flame.
Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that are created. To keep your furniture safe from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask to ensure that you don't inhale 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 household ammonia. Mix the mixture well, and then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and
wood stove advantages the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use a clean damp cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves with wood burning.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fire places cannot rival. The rustic look of wood fireplaces and the sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they give have stood the test time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people seek when they are looking for fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that could cause lung damage. It is essential to have an effective system to eliminate these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why many people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home.
There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can paint it to fit the style of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also build an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, creating 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 fantastic and works with the majority of 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 currently trending. Some homeowners mix beige and gray together 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
Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety hazards if they are not maintained and operated properly. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue in a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is working properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can help keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires.
If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired immediately. It is also essential to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, which includes drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is a great way to move warm air around the home so that it doesn't return up the chimney.
Regularly sweep out the ashes to avoid them blocking the airflow and accumulating too deeply.