Woodburning is a common practice used when heating homes. Though there are already plenty of more advanced heating systems in the market, wood furnaces and heaters are still a popular choice among many. If you happen to use this kind of heating system, make sure to read through this article to maximize their efficiency and guarantee safe use.
Technically speaking, wood-burning fireplaces are basically fueled by wood. Wood fuel comes in many forms such as charcoal, pallets, wood chips, firewood, and many more. The use of wood as a fuel for producing heat has been practiced since the old civilization. But up to this day, wood heating is still popularly used in some parts of the globe. Since wood furnaces produce harmful emissions, it is required that they are placed in a highly ventilated area. Regular inspections must also be done to ensure the efficiency of the heating unit.
To ascertain that a wood fireplace will be able to produce heat efficiently, here are some maintenance tips that will allow you to keep it in top form.
• Replace or repair damaged chimney caps – Wood-burning fireplaces often have a fitted cap with wire mesh sides that is placed on top of the chimney. This cap is designed to prevent debris, birds, and rain from entering. It is advisable that you check the chimney caps from time-to-time to ensure that they are still in good condition. If not, make sure to replace or repair them immediately.
• Examine if the masonry chimney is still intact – Inspect the outer mortar in between the bricks and stones to ensure that they are still tightly fitted together. Also, take time to look into the inside part of the mortar with the help of a flashlight. If you find out that the chimney’s masonry is already crumbling, then you have to replace it as soon as possible. Moreover, do not forget to check for missing bricks or crack tile liners.
• Be wary of creosote formation – One of the most common problems with wood burning furnaces is the accumulation of creosote. This is a highly flammable substance that is produced through incomplete wood combustion. Creosote accumulation can give rise to fire accidents if not addressed properly. To minimize creosote formation, it is best to use dry hardwoods because they have lower moisture content or you can increase ventilation within the fireplace to encourage more efficient woodburning.
Take note of the aforementioned tips to ascertain that you’ll be able to efficiently and safely use a wood burning furnace or fireplace for a long time.
