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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the roar of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. A damper is an important part of maintaining a good combustion. The kind of firewood used can make a difference in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides warmth. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can cause harmful pollutant emissions if not maintained properly. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may greatly affect the overall effectiveness of the appliance. Firewood is the primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it should be “seasoned”, to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is moist, it won't burn efficiently and will create a lot creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a full year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to keep them correctly. Apart from purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections help reduce the risk for fireplace 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 diseases, and lung disease. It also releases toxic air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric destruction of greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the climate of the earth. Efficient EPA-certified wood stove s use a secondary combustion process to reduce the generation of harmful emissions during the firing. To optimize performance they require an appropriately sized chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is crucial to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also keep their firewood in a safe location away from their home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other forms of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can create a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used for primary or as supplemental heat 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 emit harmful odors and toxic substances, which can affect the air quality in your home. The most important thing to remember when burning a wood fireplace is to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven, or kiln, to remove all moisture content. It is best to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been split into pieces and stacked for a few months before use. Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before you dump them into a metal bin. Using the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that can be accumulated. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a dust mask in order to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles. Begin by filling an enormous 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 brush in the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness then make use of glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces and the sound of a fire burning and the cozy atmosphere they give have stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people seek when shopping for a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces can be excellent for heating your home However, they also emit harmful gases. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that could cause lung damage. It is essential to have a system to eliminate these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gases in their home. There are many different ways to design your fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic look. You can also build an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in 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 to open up the space and create a fresh, airy atmosphere. Gray is another option that can be paired with a variety of styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige to celebrate this style and its versatility. 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 pose serious dangers to safety. They emit fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs and trigger 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 it's functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also crucial to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation which helps move warm air through the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and leading to more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of steel or another non-combustible container. Keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly when there is glass on the front. Children can be burned by touching the hot surfaces during and after an fire. The numerous tools used to maintain fireplaces, such as pokers, shovels, log lifers and brushes are also dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not accidentally contacting the fireplace and causing harm, an “safety area” of three feet must be created around the fireplace. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is also a great idea especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and accumulate if the wood stove and chimney are not functioning properly. Finally, it is important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These may include nuisance/odor rules, “no-burn” days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and are in place to protect the health of the public.