Sharyn Gault спросил 6 месяцев назад
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote.
A damper is an important component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The kind of firewood used can be a factor in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods.
Energy Efficiency
wood burning stove modern fireplaces can be a beautiful feature, creating warm and inviting atmosphere. They aren’t energy efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if not maintained correctly. The kind of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney system and installation can greatly affect the effectiveness of the unit.
Firewood is the primary multi fuel wood Burning stoves source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4’x8″x8″) Firewood must be «seasoned» to lower the water content and increase its energy density before use. If the wood is wet it won’t burn effectively and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, based on the climate and weather conditions.
A wood burning fireplace requires a significant investment in both time and money to maintain it properly. In addition to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is working properly, and that any combustible material is not stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will reduce the risk of chimney fires as well as room fires.
The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, multi fuel wood burning stoves and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that could affect the earth’s climate.
Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use an additional combustion process to reduce the generation of harmful emissions when firing. They also require a properly size chimney as well as flue liner to maximize performance. It is also important to buy seasoned firewood and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire as it can cause fire to become too hot and lead to a hazardous situation. To stop termite infestations, homeowners should also store their firewood away from their homes.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other forms of heating. They also provide ambiance that creates a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or additional heating and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the air quality in your home.
The most important thing to remember when burning a wood fireplace is to always use dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is treated in an oven or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood burning stoves uk that is split and stacked for a few months prior to using.
Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the fireplace’s floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before placing them in an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. Use a dustpan or whisk broom to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the flame.
When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot that is produced. To keep your furniture safe from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a mask to ensure you don’t breathe in any particles of soot or ash.
Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with a damp, clean cloth.
Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you’re satisfied with the cleanliness, use glass cleaner that’s safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are beautiful and are not comparable to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a burning fire and their cozy feel create an atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when buying a fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be excellent to heat your home, but they also emit harmful gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it’s important to have a system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gases in their home.
There are a variety of ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will create an attractive and functional feature for your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the room and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige together called greige to show their 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 properly Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious safety risks. They emit fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by releasing methane and carbon dioxide.
The flue of a wood stove needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it’s functioning correctly. A clean and functional chimney flue will help to keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires.
If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable materials, such as drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air around the house so it doesn’t go back up the chimney.
Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from becoming a block to airflow and then building up too much. A lot of ash can impede the flow of oxygen to the logs, and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which causes more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a bucket made of steel or other noncombustible container.
Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace particularly in the case of an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could get burned. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace like brushes, pokers, log lifers, and shovels, can be hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot «safety zone» should be established around the fireplace to avoid children coming in contact with it.
Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is also a great idea, especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can build up when the wood stove and chimney are not functioning correctly.
It is also crucial to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules for nuisances and odors, «no-burn days» and limits on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce pollution in the air and are in place to safeguard public health.