Why Does My Wood Burning Fireplace Produce Less Heat?
Nothing beats a wood fire that is roaring in the winter night. Many homeowners choose fireplaces made of wood as the primary heating source for their homes.
To ensure that fireplaces that burn wood are functioning correctly, they need regular maintenance and clean. This includes regular chimney inspections and sweeps, and also avoiding burning unseasoned or wet wood.
Efficient Heating
Wood burning fireplaces add warmth and comfort to any residence. Many homeowners are unsure why their fireplace seems to produce less heat than they imagine. The answer is contingent on a number of factors such as the type and amount of wood used in the fireplace, as well as how it is built.
To burn, wood must be combusted to create hot gases. Wood combustion is a complex process that involves three phases that include dehydration (drying out) gasification (gasification) and burning charcoal. During the initial stage, the wood's water evaporates and the organic material begins to decompose. This releases flammable gases. These gases are then ignited, causing the wood to burn, releasing plenty of heat. The heat is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) which are the amount of energy required to raise a pounds of water by 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 decrease the overall heating capacity of your home and cause drafts. This issue can be eliminated by installing a high-efficiency, certified by the EPA for wood burning fireplaces.
To increase best wood burning stove of heat generated by your fireplace, it is important to choose the right kind of wood and build the fire to last as long as is possible. Seasoned or dried wood burns more efficiently and produces less creosote and smoke. Dry wood is also more easy to light and burns at a higher temperature that maximizes heat production.
Insuring that your home is well-insulated and making sure that all vents have been properly sealed will keep cold air from entering these vents. The use of fans is an excellent method to distribute the warmth from your fireplace to the rest of your home, rather than sending it up the chimney.
Environmentally Friendly
The crackling sound, the natural scent and flickering flames of a wood fireplace create a warm, inviting environment. Many homes also have the traditional look of wood fireplaces. The heat of the fire is wonderful but the radiant heat from the smoldering coals makes the fireplace relaxing and enjoyable. The ashes can be used to enrich soil and gardens, and also reduce toxic compounds like arsenic and lead.
Traditional wood stoves have low environmental impact if they are constructed using sustainable fuel and burnt in a fireplace that is efficient. Unsustainable logging can lead to deforestation and a disruption to ecosystems and cause environmental issues. To ensure efficient combustion and reduce emissions, the wood used in fireplaces must be properly cleaned and seasoned.
When it is combusted damp, rotten, or moldy wood releases pollutants like particulate matter and CO2. These pollutants can be harmful to humans, and they can worsen respiratory problems for people suffering from asthma. By requiring wood stoves that burn cleaner, the government is helping improve the air quality.
Newer stoves release less carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. This is accomplished by using various fuels, including pellets made from recycled wood which are more efficient than logs. They also have catalytic combustion engines that further reduce emissions.
Gas fireplaces are a different option. They make use of electricity produced by fossil fuels derived from coal and produce fewer greenhouse gasses than wood burning stoves. The combustion process produces Nitrous dioxides as well as other harmful pollutants, which can contribute to global warming and poor air quality.
Ask a professional for advice on fireplace installation and safety. This will ensure that your home is in compliance with the local building codes and you are in compliance with safety rules. This can help avoid dangers from fire and carbon dioxide poisoning. A professional can guide you on how to maintain and make the most of your fireplace to increase its warmth and minimize emissions. Specialized fireplace accessories like blowers and heat-exchangers can also aid in the distribution of warm air throughout your home.
Aesthetically appealing
A fireplace with wood burning can transform the cold winter night into a warm and welcoming spot. It's more than just a source of heat, though -- it creates an area of focus that draws people together and promotes conversation and activities. If it's traditional, with intricate stone or sleek and contemporary in style, the ideal fireplace will complement your personal style and add to your home's unique style.
The roaring flames, the occasional sparks that resemble fireworks, and the smell of wood such as fir gives a fireplace natural appearance that gives an inviting atmosphere to any space. If you decide to have an open-hearth style fireplace, adding decorative elements and carefully chosen accessories can improve the visual appeal of your home.
Although wood fireplaces are an unique and beautiful feature, they also require regular maintenance, including cleaning. It is essential to regularly remove ash and ensure that the chimney isn't blocked or overloaded. Gas fireplaces are a low-maintenance option for those looking for an easy-to-maintain fireplace.
As technology improves, consumers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient heating systems for their homes. Modern gas-powered fireplaces offer many of the same benefits like traditional wood-burning fireplaces without the requirement for maintenance or dependence on flammable sources for fuel.
Electric fireplaces are available in many styles and can be hardwired, or connected to an outlet in the wall. Some models can be wall-mounted and others are freestanding. They mimic real flames using LED lights and speakers that emit crackling sounds. They're not the most efficient kind of heating source, but they can be a good alternative to a wood-burning fireplace or when you don't have enough space for traditional hearths.
Choosing the right fireplace for your home is a significant choice. The fireplace you select will not only impact how your living space is used, but can also affect the value of your home. Ask a professional for advice on the best choice.
Low Maintenance
Wood fireplaces are a great option for people who want to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. The firewood resource is renewable and can be harvested from local forests and purchased locally to support the community. It is also less expensive than heating oil or natural gas. It produces less pollution and gives a natural atmosphere. However, it is essential to choose well-seasoned wood for your fireplace. The wood that is seasoned is less likely to cause dangerous creosote.
Maintaining your chimney system is crucial to ensure it is working properly. A blocked fireplace can release harmful byproducts such as carbon monoxide, smoke and other byproducts. The chimney must be cleaned once every year to remove the accumulated creosote and ash from the fire chamber, flue and grate. It is recommended to clean the firebox regularly to keep it in good condition.
A further benefit of a wood burning fireplace is that it provides back-up heat in the event there is a power failure. Storing a supply of seasoned firewood allows you to keep warming your home for days at a time without relying on your generator. This is a great way to reduce your dependence on utilities and prepare for any power outages that may result from winter snowstorms or ice storms that can cause damage to tree branches or even knock down wires.
Wood burning fireplaces are also well-known for their ability to create a smoky, roaring fire that provides a unique look to any room. The smell and sound of a fire in a wood-burning fireplace is unmatched by other alternatives. It can make any room feel cozy and inviting, and is perfect for hosting family and friends.
If you are considering a new wood fireplace for your home, our experts are able to discuss the benefits of this traditional source of heat with you. Contact us today to begin!