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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the sound of a wood burning fireplace. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid dangerous creosote buildup. A damper is an essential part of maintaining a good combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive design that creates a cozy ambience and also heat. However, they are not energy efficient and can create polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney system and installation can significantly impact the effectiveness of the appliance. The primary fuel for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is typically bought in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). The wood must be “seasoned” to reduce the water content and increase its energy density before use. If the wood is wet it will not burn as efficiently and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a full year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate. Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to keep them correctly. Apart from purchasing a large quantity of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that combustible materials aren't stored close to the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections lower the chance of room and chimney fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles, which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the climate of the earth. Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance, these stoves require the proper size chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is also essential to buy seasoned firewood and beware of the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire, as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. Additionally, homeowners should store their firewood away from the house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or as supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins and can adversely affect the air quality within the home. The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning in a wood fireplace is to use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven or kiln, to eliminate all of its moisture content. It is best only to burn clean and seasoned wood that has been sliced up and stacked for several months prior to use. Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before taking them out of a metal waste bin to dispose of. Make use of a brush or a broom to sweep away any other stray materials that have accumulated outside of the fire. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dirt and soot that is produced. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so that you don't breathe in particles of soot or ash. Begin by filling up the bucket with a gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix the mixture well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanliness, make use of a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a burning fire and the warm feeling they give have stood the test time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can harm your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well ventilated, it is essential to have a system in place that can help get rid of these harmful substances. This is why a lot of people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design to reduce the quantity of harmful gases that are present in your home. There are several ways to make your fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can make use of recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is a different option that can be paired with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners mix beige and gray together, known as greige, to celebrate this flexibility and aesthetic. The best way to make a fireplace look less old fashioned or obtrusive is to paint it to match the walls around it. This can be done in a deep neutral that is on-trend, like grey, or a warm and earthy tone such as brick or terracotta red. The idea is to create a unified space that does not draw attention to itself, but rather blends in with the rest of the room. If you are unsure about which colour to go for, you can always ask a professional for advice. Safety If not maintained and operated properly If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could be a serious risk to safety. They release fine particles that can get into the lungs, causing lung diseases. They also release hazardous air pollutants like carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it functions correctly. A clean, efficient flue will help to keep carbon monoxide leaks from becoming dangerous and chimney fires. If the flue's liner is becoming worn, it should be replaced or repaired immediately. It is also essential to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, including curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to move warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney. Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to prevent them from blocking the airflow and becoming too large in size. A lot of ash can reduce the oxygen supply for logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or another noncombustible container. Keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly in the case of a glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could get burned. click to read employed to maintain fireplaces like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To stop children from falling into the fire, it is recommended that a “safety area” of three feet be constructed around it. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, particularly if there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is harmful to breathe. In addition, it is essential to be aware of the state, local, and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules governing odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and limitations on visible emissions or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.