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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful method to warm up the interior of a house. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous build-ups of creosote. The airflow can be controlled by dampers, and this is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods like oak and ash create less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful design, generating warm and inviting ambience. They are not energy-efficient and can contribute to air pollution if they are not maintained correctly. The kind of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may significantly affect the overall efficiency of the unit. Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it must be “seasoned”, to reduce its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not be able to burn as efficiently and could cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, based on the weather and the climate. A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment both in time and money to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to buying large quantities of firewood, owners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, operates properly, and that there is no combustible material near the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections help to reduce the risk of fireplace and room fires. The smoke from wood-burning fireplaces has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic like volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that can affect the earth's climate. Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use secondary combustion to reduce the generation of harmful emissions when firing. To optimize performance, these stoves require the proper size chimney as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is also essential to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the flame as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. In addition homeowners should store their firewood away from their house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins and can adversely affect the air quality inside the home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven or kiln, to eliminate all of its moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stored for a few months prior to using. Before starting a fire, clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure the ashes are cool before taking them out of the metal waste bin for disposal. Utilizing the whisk or a dust pan, broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that can be accumulated. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any ash or soot particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, wipe off any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood and the sound of a fire roaring and the warm feeling they give have stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can cause lung damage. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to help get rid of these harmful substances. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for fireplaces that burn wood, as they reduce the amount harmful gases in their home. There are wood burning stove outdoor to design your wood fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can paint it to match the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic look. You can also include an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will make a functional and fun feature for your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks great and goes with most homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white which opens up the space and creates light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular option that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige and call it greige to highlight this versatility 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 Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety concerns if they're not maintained and operated properly. They emit fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove should be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires. If the flue liner is getting worn out, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Keep flammable materials, such as drapes, curtains, and other flammable objects away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation which assists in moving warm air through the home so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed from the fireplace on a regular basis to avoid them accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a bucket made of steel or another non-combustible container. Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace especially in the case of glass front. Children can be burned by touching the hot surfaces during and after a fire. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes are also dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not accidentally contacting the fireplace and causing harm, a “safety area” of three feet should be set up around the fireplace. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, especially when there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may be a problem when the wood stove and chimney are not functioning correctly. It is also important to check the local, state 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 often designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.