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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the roar of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote. A damper is a crucial element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The kind of firewood used may be a factor and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive feature that creates a warm ambience and also heat. They aren't energy efficient and can contribute to air pollution if they are not maintained properly. The kind of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of the appliance. Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Firewood must be “seasoned” to reduce its water content and increase the energy density prior to use. If the wood is too wet it will not be able to burn as efficiently and could cause many creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a full year or more, depending on the weather and the climate. A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in terms of both time and money to keep it running properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that combustible materials are not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will help reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires. The smoke that comes from wood-burning fireplaces is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants, including nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can harm the climate of the earth. Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to limit the production of harmful emissions when firing. These stoves also require a properly size chimney as well as a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also important to buy seasoned firewood and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the fire, as it can cause fire to become too hot and create a dangerous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also keep their firewood far away from their homes. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or additional heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins, and can negatively affect air quality within the home. The most important thing to remember when burning in a wood fireplace is to always make use of dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in an oven or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is best to only use clean and seasoned wood that has been sliced up and stacked for several months prior to using. Before lighting a fire, take the ashes off the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes are cool completely before throwing them into the bin made of metal. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot that is produced. To protect your furniture from stains, you should clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any particles of soot or ash. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls as well as the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanliness then make use of glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces as well as the roar of a fire roaring and the warm feeling they provide have stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people are looking for when they are looking for a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent to heat your home, but they also emit harmful gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place that can help get rid of these harmful substances. Many prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are a variety of ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and visually appealing. You can paint it to match the style of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic look. You can also include an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will make an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home. You can also change your chimney's color. A popular choice is black, which is beautiful and is a perfect match for most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white, which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is another option that works well with many different styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, also referred to as greige, to show this aesthetic and flexibility. 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 If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They emit fine particle pollution that can enter deep into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. wood burning stoves for sale contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it's working properly. A clean and functional chimney flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is getting worn out, it should be replaced or repaired right away. Be sure to keep flammable objects like curtains, drapes, and other flammable objects away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is a great way to circulate warm air around the house so that it doesn't return 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 can reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container. Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly in the case of a glass front. There is a risk of burns when they touch hot surfaces while they are in the fire. The many tools used to maintain fireplaces, such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. To prevent children from getting into the fireplace accidentally, an “safety area” of three feet should be set up around the fireplace. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is also a great idea, especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't functioning correctly, and it is a poison to breathe. It is also essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These may include nuisance/odor rules, “no-burn” days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are typically focused on reducing air pollution and are in place to safeguard public health.