Why Does My Wood Burning Fireplace Produce Less Heat?
There's nothing like a warm wood fire on a cold evening. Many homeowners choose wood fireplaces as the primary source of heating for their homes.
Fireplaces that burn wood require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure that they're working properly. This includes regular chimney inspections and sweepings as well as avoiding burning unseasoned or wet wood.
Efficient Heating
Wood burning fireplaces are a beautiful addition to any house. They provide warm natural, cozy heat. However, many homeowners wonder what causes their fireplace to produce less heat than they would think they would. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type and quantity of wood used in the fireplace as well as the way it was built.
To burn, wood must combust to produce hot gases. Wood combustion is a complicated process that happens in three stages including dehydration, gasification and burning of charcoal. During the first stage, the water in the wood is dried out and the organic components in the wood begin to break down producing gasses that can ignite. The gasses are then ignited, causing the wood to burn, releasing a lot of heat. The heat is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) which are the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Typically open fireplaces draw couple hundred cubic feet of air each minute up the chimney, bringing warm air in your home, along with the undesirable byproducts from burning wood. This can reduce the overall heating capacity of your home and create drafts. This issue can be cured by using a high-efficiency EPA-certified wood burning fireplace.
To increase the amount of heat produced by your fireplace, it's essential to choose the right kind of wood and create a fire that will last as long as possible. Dry or seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke and creosote buildup. Dry wood is more easy to light and burns at higher temperatures which enhances the production of heat.
It is also important to ensure your home is well-insulated. Also, make sure that all vents are sealed, stopping cold air from entering your home through these sources. The use of fans is a great way to spread the heat from your fireplace throughout your home instead of sending it up the chimney.
Environmentally Friendly
The crackling sound, the natural scent, and flickering flames of a wood fireplace create a warm, inviting space. Many homes also have the traditional look of wood fireplaces. The heat of the fire is fantastic but the radiant heat from the smoldering coals makes the fireplace relaxing and enjoyable. In the full details are beneficial in fertilizing gardens and soil as well as in reducing toxic compounds such as arsenic and lead.
A traditional wood stove has a low environmental impact as long as the fuel is harvested responsibly and burnt in an efficient fireplace. Unsustainable logging can lead to destruction of ecosystems and deforestation and cause environmental issues. To ensure efficient combustion and reduce emissions, the wood used to make fireplaces must be properly cleaned and seasoned.
Wet, rotten or moldy wood releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter when it's burned. These pollutants can be harmful to humans and can cause respiratory problems for people suffering from asthma. Fortunately, tighter regulations from the government are helping to improve air quality by requiring more efficient wood stoves.
Modern stoves provide more complete combustion and release less carbon and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. This is achieved by using different fuels, like pellets from recycled wood that are more efficient than logs. These stoves are also fitted with catalytic combustors that further reduce emissions.
Gas fireplaces are another option. They make use of electricity produced by coal-based fossils and produce less greenhouse gases than wood-burning stoves. However, the process of burning still releases nitrous oxides as well as other harmful pollutants that could contribute to global warming as well as poor air quality.
Consult an expert for fireplace installation and safety. This will ensure that your house is compliant with the local building codes and that you're in compliance with safety rules. This can help avoid the risk of fire and carbon dioxide poisoning. A professional can also offer advice on the best methods to use and maintain your fireplace, to maximize its capacity to warm your home and reduce emissions. Furthermore, fireplace accessories such as blowers and heat exchangers can help distribute warm air more evenly across the house.
Aesthetically Appealing
A fireplace with wood burners provides the kind of warmth that transforms a frosty evening into a welcoming sanctuary. It's not only a source of warmth, though -- it also creates an atmosphere that brings people together and encourages conversations and activities. The right fireplace will add to the unique style of your home, no matter if it's modern and sleek or traditional with intricate stone detailing.
The roaring flames, occasionally firework-like sparks, and even the smell of wood like fir gives a fireplace an organic look that creates a warm and inviting ambience to any room. If you choose to go with an open-hearth style fireplace by adding decorative elements and carefully selected accessories can increase the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Wood fireplaces offer an unique and beautiful feature, they do require regular maintenance, which includes cleaning. It is essential to regularly clear out ash and ensure that the chimney isn't blocked or overloaded. If you're looking for an easier to maintain option, you may want to consider the gas fireplace.
As technology is evolving, more consumers are looking for energy efficient heating systems in their homes. Modern gas-powered fireplaces offer many of the same advantages like traditional wood-burning fireplaces, without the necessity for maintenance or dependence on flammable sources of fuel.
Electric fireplaces come in a variety of styles. They can be wired or connected to a wall outlet. Certain models can be wall-mounted and others are freestanding. They resemble real flames by using LED lights and speakers that emit crackling sounds. While they're not the most efficient heating source however, they are a great alternative to a wood-burning fireplace or if there's no space for a traditional fireplace.
It is essential to make the right decision for your home. The fireplace you select will not only impact how your living space is used, but can also affect the value of your home. Be sure to talk with an expert to determine the ideal fireplace for your requirements.
Low Maintenance
Wood fireplaces are an ideal option for those looking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Firewood is a renewable resource and can be harvested from local forests, and then sold locally to help the local community. It is also less expensive than heating oil or natural gas. It produces less pollution and provides a natural ambiance. However, it is essential to use only well-seasoned wood for your fireplace. Wood that is seasoned is less likely to cause dangerous creosote.
Maintaining your chimney is essential to ensure that it's working correctly. A blocked chimney can release carbon monoxide, smoke and other harmful byproducts into your home. The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to get rid of the accumulated creosote and ash from the fire chamber, flue and grate. It is a good idea to also sweep the firebox on a regular basis to keep it clean.
A fireplace that burns wood can be used to provide heat backup in the event of an outage. Storing a supply of seasoned firewood can allow you to keep warm your home for a few days at a time without having to rely on your generator. This is a great way to reduce your dependence on utility companies and prepare for any power outages that could occur due to winter snowstorms or ice storms which can damage tree branches or even knock down wires.
Wood burning fireplaces can also add a an individual touch to any room thanks to their smoky crackling fire. The sound and smell of a burning fire in a wood-burning fireplace is unlike any other alternatives. It can make a room feel cozy and warm, and is perfect for entertaining family and friends.
If you're thinking about the installation of a new wood fireplace in your home, our experts are able to discuss the benefits of this traditional source of heat with you. Contact us today to get started!