How To Create An Awesome Instagram Video About Wood Burning Fireplace
Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace
Nothing is more welcoming than the roar of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous build-ups of creosote.
The airflow can be controlled by dampers which is an essential element in maintaining efficient combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash produce less creosote.
Energy Efficiency
Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The kind of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can greatly affect the overall effectiveness of the unit.
The primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8"x8") Firewood must be "seasoned" to lower the water content and improve its energy density before use. If the wood is too wet, it will not burn as efficiently and could cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions.
A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a substantial investment in both money and time to keep it running properly. In wood stoves near me to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored close to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires.
The smoke from a wood-burning fire place contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems, including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants like volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone which can harm the climate of the earth.
Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during firing. They also require a proper sized chimney and installation of flue liner to maximize performance. It is important to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, creating a risky situation. In addition, homeowners should store their firewood away from the house to avoid termite infestation.
Cleanliness
Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that creates a relaxing 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 to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins, and can negatively affect air quality inside the home.
The most important thing to remember when burning a fireplace made of wood is to always use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed by heating or kiln to remove all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stored for a few months prior to use.
Before lighting a flame, take the ashes off the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cooled completely before dumping them in the bin made of metal. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other stray debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace.
When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dust and soot that is produced. To protect your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to 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 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 areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a clean damp cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off.
Repeat the scrubbing and wiping procedure until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors using an approved glass cleaner for wood burning stoves.
Aesthetics
Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a burning fire and their cozy feel create an ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people look for this feature when purchasing fireplaces.
While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that could harm your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place that can assist in the elimination of these toxins. Many prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases in their home.
There are many ways to make your wood fireplace look more appealing and distinctive. You can paint it to be in line with the style of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic look. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will create an attractive and functional feature for your home.
You can also change the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which is beautiful and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a light airy ambience. Gray is a third option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige, to highlight this style and its versatility.
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 lead to serious safety issues if not maintained and operated properly. They emit fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by emitting carbon dioxide and methane.
The flue in a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it is working as it should. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue will help to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires.
If the flue liner is degrading, it should be replaced or repaired right away. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, drapes, and other flammable objects away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation which allows warm air through the home so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney.
Ashes must be removed from the fireplace on a regular basis to keep them from accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. As much ash can limit the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a bucket made of steel or another non-combustible container.
Children should be kept out from the area around the fireplace particularly if it has a glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they may be burned. In addition, the different tools used to maintain a fireplace like pokers, log lifers, and shovels can be unsafe for children to handle. To prevent children from accidentally contacting the fireplace, an "safety area" of three feet must be set up around the fireplace.
It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially if there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not working properly, and is a poison to breathe.
It is also important to be aware of the local, state and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, "no-burn days" and limitations on visible emissions or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are typically aimed at reducing pollution in the air and are in place to protect public health.