Indoor Wood Burning Fireplaces
A hot cup of coffee or cocoa is best enjoyed in winters with the wood burning fireplace giving you tender warmth. Indoor wood burning fireplaces are basically of three types, namely- clean burning fireplaces, traditional wood-burning fireplaces, and EPA certified fireplaces. Clean burning fireplaces have proved to be the most efficient in burning wood and as they emit less particulate matter, oxides of Nitrogen and creosote. Traditional wood burning fireplaces are mason built or made from plate steel, cast iron, or lighter metals such as aluminum. The last category, i.e EPA certified fireplaces produce particulate matter under 0.75gm each hour. Thus for takers of indoor wood-burning fireplaces, clean burning fireplaces and EPA certified fireplaces would be the good options as they generate the maximum heat.
The above two fireplaces are usually separated from the room by steel or glass doors. For those you want to recreate the old world charm, the traditional open fireplace would be ideal. However, one would have to bear some heat loss in order to experience the crackling and smell of burning wood. Chimney accessories, fireplace tools and mantels would add sparkle to your fireplace. Some woods emit more fragrant smoke, while oak, hardwoods and fruitwoods are ideal for producing heat.
Another trend that has caught up in recent times is the pre-fabricated wood burning fireplace. Such a fireplace is economical, and also blends in with the aesthetics of the house. The look of the fireplace can be changed by painting the surface with high-temperature paint. However, if you want the fireplace to adequately warm your house in winter, make sure you have it maintained it properly. Important places to check include chimney caps, intactness of masonry chimneys, or rust or dents in metal chimneys.
Creosote, creosote glaze and soot are other problem areas that need to be addressed. Creosote is a hard, flammable substance that is produced when wood is not burn completely. Creosote glaze is a tar like substance that is pretty tough to remove. Soot is softer than creosote and should ideally be cleaned when it forms a layer which is around 1/8 inches thick. Furthermore, chimneys of indoor wood burning fireplaces should be cleaned regularly.
Indoor wood burning fireplaces require a detailed construction and installation procedure. For generating more heat, inserts or wood burning stoves can be used in an indoor wood burning fireplace. The stove burns slowly, and can be controlled easily with air controls and dampers. If small amount of air is allowed and the dampers are closed, the fireplace helps in spreading warmth in every corner of your home. The warmth and coziness provided by indoor wood burning fireplaces is worth every cent and effort you spend on installing and maintaining them.