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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic way to warm up your home. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid dangerous creosote buildup. A damper is an essential component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The kind of firewood used may affect the outcome and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful design, generating warm and inviting environment. They aren't energy efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if not maintained correctly. The kind of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of the appliance. Firewood is the main fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) It is essential to “seasoned” to reduce its water content and increase the energy density prior to use. If the wood is moist it will not burn as efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a year or more, based on the climate and weather conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to maintain them correctly. In addition to buying large quantities of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, is working properly, and that no combustible material is stored near the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections help to reduce the risk of room and chimney fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves is a source of fine particle pollution 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 air pollutants that are toxic, such as volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the climate of the earth. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves employ the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance, these stoves require the proper size chimney as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is essential to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, creating a risky situation. Additionally, homeowners should store their firewood outside of the house to avoid termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release toxins and unpleasant odors, which can affect the air quality inside your home. The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning a wood fireplace is to make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is treated in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is recommended only to burn clean and seasoned wood that has been cut up and stacked for several months prior to use. Before you start a fire sweep up ash from the floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes are cool completely before throwing them into a metal bin. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep away any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the fire. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that are created. It is important to clear a work space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask in order to avoid inhaling any ash or soot particles. Start by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls as well as surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanliness you can use glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful and cannot be compared to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the warm feeling they create have stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can harm your lungs. It is crucial to have an effective system that can eliminate these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases in their home. There are several ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and unique. You can choose to use recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or opt to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. contemporary wood stove will create a functional and fun feature in your home. You can also change your chimney's color. The most popular option is black, which is beautiful and complements the majority 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 popular choice that goes with many styles and is on trend. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige called 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 in a safe manner, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. They release smoke that is a fine particle of pollution that can get into the lungs to cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is degrading the flue liner should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. It is also essential to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, such as drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is a great way to move warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney. Ashes should be swept out from the fireplace on a regular basis to prevent them from building up too deeply and obstructing air flow. As much ash can limit the oxygen supply to logs and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which causes more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a bucket made of steel or other noncombustible container. Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly when there is glass on the front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they may get burned. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes can be hazardous for children to handle. To prevent children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, a “safety area” of three feet should be constructed around it. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is poisonous to breathe. It is also important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules regarding odors and nuisances, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce pollution in the air and are in place to protect the health of the public.