3 Reasons You're Not Getting Wood Burning Fireplace Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
Why Does My Wood Burning Fireplace Produce Less Heat?
There's nothing like a crackling wood fire in the middle of a cold evening. Many homeowners use wood fireplaces to warm their homes.
Fireplaces that burn wood require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they're functioning properly. This includes chimney sweepings and inspections, and not burning unseasoned or wet wood.
Efficient Heating
Wood burning fireplaces add warmth and comfort to any home. Many homeowners wonder why their fireplace isn't producing the heat they'd expect. The answer depends on a number of factors that include the type and amount of wood used in the fireplace as well as the method in which it is built.
To burn, wood must be combusted to create hot gasses. Wood combustion is a complicated process that involves three stages that include dehydration (drying out) and gasification (gasification) and burning charcoal. During wood burners for sale , the water in the wood dries out and the organic materials in the wood begin to break down and produce gasses that can ignite. These gases ignite and cause the wood to ignite. The wood releases a lot of heat. This heat is measured by British Thermal Units (BTUs), the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water to one degree Fahrenheit.
Typically open fireplaces draw couple hundred cubic feet of air per minute up the chimney, drawing warm air into your home along with the undesirable byproducts from burning wood. This can lower the overall heating capacity of your home and cause drafts. Utilizing a high-efficiency wood burning fireplace that has been EPA certified can help alleviate this issue and improve the heating capacity of your home.
It is crucial to build a fire with the longest time possible and to use the appropriate kind of wood. Dry or seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke and creosote accumulation. Dry wood is also easier to light and burns at a higher temperature which increases heat production.
It is also helpful to ensure that your home is well-insulated and make sure that all vents are properly sealed, preventing cold air from entering your home through these sources. Additionally, using fans can be a great way to distribute the heat generated by your fireplace throughout the home rather than sending it all the way up the chimney.
Environmentally Friendly
The crackling sound, the natural scent and flickering flames of a wood fireplace create a warm, inviting space. They also give a classic style to many homes. The heat of the fire is wonderful but the radiant heat that comes from the smoldering coals make a fireplace enjoyable and comfortable. The ashes can also be used to fertilize gardens and soil and reduce toxic compounds such as lead and arsenic.
A traditional wood stove has a comparatively low environmental impact as long it is sourced sustainably and burned in a dependable fireplace. Unsustainable logging can lead to destruction of ecosystems and deforestation, causing environmental problems. The wood used in a fireplace should be properly seasoned and stacked to ensure proper combustion, which can reduce emissions.
The moisture in damp, rotten or mouldy wood releases harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter when it is burned. These pollutants can be harmful to humans, and can cause respiratory issues in people suffering from asthma. Fortunately, stricter government regulations are helping to improve the quality of air by requiring cleaner-burning wood stoves.
Modern stoves offer more complete combustion, releasing less carbon and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. This is accomplished by using different fuels, like pellets made from recycled wood which burn more efficiently than logs. They are also equipped with catalytic combustors that can further reduce emissions.
Gas fireplaces are a different option. They make use of electricity produced by coal-based fossils and produce less greenhouse gases than wood burning stoves. The process of combustion produces Nitrous dioxides as well as other harmful pollutants, which can contribute to global warming and poor air quality.
It's important to consult an expert on fireplace installation and safety to ensure that your home is in compliance with local building codes and complies with safety regulations. This can help avoid dangers from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. A professional can provide advice on how to maintain and make the most of your fireplace to increase its warmth while minimizing emissions. Specialized fireplace accessories like blowers and heat-exchangers can also assist in spreading warm air throughout the home.
Aesthetically appealing
A fireplace that is wood-burning provides the kind of warmth that transforms a frosty evening into a warm and inviting space. The fireplace is not only a source for heat; it's also a focal feature, which encourages conversation and activity. If it's traditional, with intricate stone features or sleek and modern in design, the perfect fireplace can complement your personal style and add to your home's unique style.
The roaring of flames, occasional sparks that look like fireworks and even a woody odor like fir give a fireplace an organic look. This creates a warm atmosphere in any space. If you opt for a traditional open-hearth fireplace including decorative elements and carefully chosen accessories can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
While wood fireplaces provide a unique and beautiful feature, they also require regular maintenance, including cleaning. It's important to regularly clear out ash and ensure that the chimney is not blocked or overloaded. Gas fireplaces are a low-maintenance option for those looking for an energy-efficient fireplace that requires little maintenance.
As technology improves, more people are looking for efficient heating systems that are energy-efficient in their homes. Modern gas-powered fireplaces provide many of the same aesthetic benefits like traditional wood-burning fireplaces, without the necessity for maintenance or reliance on flammable sources of fuel.
Electric fireplaces are available in many styles and can be hardwired, or plugged into a wall outlet. Some models can be mounted to the wall and others are freestanding. They resemble real flames with LED lights and speakers emitting crackling sounds. They're not the most efficient kind of heat source, but they're a good alternative to a less efficient wood-burning fireplace, or if you don't have a space for a traditional hearth.
It is crucial to choose the best option for your home. The fireplace you choose will not only impact the way your living space is used, but it will also affect the value of your property. Talk to a professional about the best selection.
Low Maintenance
Wood fireplaces are the ideal choice for those who wish to decrease their dependence on fossil fuels. It is a renewable resource and can be sourced from local forests and purchased locally to help the local community. It is also more cost-effective than natural gas or heating oil. It releases less pollutants and creates a more natural atmosphere. It is crucial to select seasoned wood in your fireplace. Seasoned wood is less likely to cause dangerous creosote.
It is vital to maintain your chimney system regularly to ensure that it's functioning properly. A blocked chimney can release smoke, carbon monoxide and other harmful byproducts to the home. The chimney must be cleaned at least every year to get rid of creosote, ash, and other accumulated debris from the firebox and flue. It is also an excellent idea to clean the firebox on a regular basis to keep it clean and to keep from accumulating too much.
A further benefit of a wood burning fireplace is that it provides backup heat in case of a power outage. The ability to stockpile seasoned firewood lets you to keep your home warm for a few days without having to use your generator. This is a great way to cut down on your dependence on utility companies and prepare for any power outages that might occur due to winter snowstorms and ice storms that can cause damage to tree branches or knock down wires.
Wood burning fireplaces also add an unique look to any room thanks to their smoky, crackling fire. There are other options that cannot compete with the sound and scent of a fireplace that is burning wood. It can make a room feel warm and inviting, and is ideal for hosting guests and family.
If you're thinking about the possibility of installing a wood fireplace in your home, our experts can discuss the benefits of this traditional heating source with you. Contact us today for a free consultation!