Mr. Move Ups Quick tips On Wood Burning Fireplaces
November 12th, 2009 Categories: Dripping Springs Area News
Howdy Readers,
It’s that time of year again where the temperature starts dropping and the fireplaces start roaring. Here is a few quick tips to get you through those cozy fire side nights.
Although wood burning fireplaces are no longer the main source of heat for modern homes, many homebuyers still desire them for the sense of warmth and coziness they provide.
One of the most common problems with wood burning fireplaces, however, is that they smoke. In fact, using a wood fire stove for only nine hours produces as much fine-particle pollution as a car does in a year.
Smoke should be drawn naturally up the chimney at all times. If the fireplace smokes when it’s operating, it’s not designed properly, or there is something in the house that is causing the fireplace to smoke.
Two of the most common times for the fireplace to smoke are when the fire is first lit and when the fire has burnt down. This is called the cold hearth syndrome. When the chimney flue is hot, it draws well, and when it’s cold, air flows down the chimney rather than up, or “back-drafts.”
There are some configurations that are more likely to cause back drafting than others. For example, chimney height has a big influence on how well the fireplace draws. A taller chimney will draw better.
To find out if you have a problem check for soot on the underside of the mantle, this could indicate a fireplace with chronic back-drafting.
Solutions for smoking fireplaces include:
· Add glass doors: Glass doors help in two ways. They reduce the effective fireplace opening size and the volume of air going up the chimney. These both improve the fireplace draw.
· Decrease the fireplace opening size: Anything that reduces the opening size of the fireplace will result in better draw.
· Extend the chimney: A taller chimney draws better. This is a good solution, but it is more expensive than the other options.
· Convert to gas: If all else fails, consider installing a gas direct vent fireplace. These fireplaces will vent out the wall of the house. No chimney is needed.
Wood Burning Fireplace Safety
Countless home fires have been started as a result of improper operation and maintenance of wood burning equipment. Knowing how to operate these tools is imperative for home safety. Here are a few safety tips for wood burning fireplaces:
· Hire a professional chimney sweep to get rid of creosote – a highly combustible substance.
· Keep the flue clean by burning only seasoned hardwood. Don’t burn garbage and scraps of paper.
· Keep smoke in its place by stacking logs near the back of the fireplace.
· Make sure the damper is open before lighting the fire.
· Have the flue cleaned and inspected yearly (cleaned more often if you use the fireplace frequently).
· Keep the hearth area clean and clear.
· Use a spark screen in front of the fire.
· Don’t leave an open fire unattended.
· Make sure household smoke and CO detectors are functioning.
· Zero clearance fireplaces need to be cleaned and inspected as well. In fact they don’t tolerate lack of maintenance well.
· For zero clearance, check the manual to verify if the fireplace can be operated with the glass door shut.
This blog was brought to you by Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
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