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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's vital to maintain it regularly to prevent the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. Airflow can be controlled with a damper which is an essential element in maintaining efficient combustion. The type of firewood used can also be a factor in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating a warm and cozy ambience. However, they aren't efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The condition and quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency. The main fuel source for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it needs to be “seasoned” to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not burn effectively and may cause a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a full year or more, depending on the weather and the climate. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained properly. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will lower the chance of room and chimney fires. The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues, including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases. It also releases harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke is a contributor to the reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone, which can impact the earth's climate. Efficient EPA certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a properly size chimney and the installation of flue liner to maximize performance. It is also important to purchase seasoned firewood, and beware of the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the flame as they can add fuel to the fire and create a dangerous situation. Additionally, homeowners should store their firewood outside of the house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other forms of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used as primary or as supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors and toxins and can adversely affect the air quality inside the home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven, or kiln to remove all moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stored for a few months prior to using. Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the fireplace floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to taking them out of the metal waste bin for disposal. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other stray debris that has accumulated around the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot generated. You should clear a working space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles. 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 the solution well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping procedure until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once talking to satisfied with your cleanness, use the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a roaring fire and their cozy feel create an atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces can be great to heat your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place that can help get rid of these toxins. 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 many different ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique attractive. You can make use of recycled wood to give it a more rustic feel, or you can choose to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also add 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 your chimney's color. The most popular color is black, which looks beautiful and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a fresh airy feel. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is trendy. Some homeowners mix gray and beige, known as 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 If they are not maintained and operated in a safe manner, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes 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, well-functioning flue will help to keep carbon monoxide leaks from becoming dangerous and chimney fires. If the flue liner is deteriorating it is recommended to replace it or repaired as soon as possible. Keep flammable materials like drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to install cross-ventilation, which helps move warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed of the fireplace regularly to prevent them from building up too deep and blocking the air flow. Too much ash can restrict the oxygen supply to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also creates more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or a similar noncombustible container. Children should be kept away from the area around the fireplace particularly in the case of glass front. Children can be burned when they touch hot surfaces during and after the fire. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to stop children accidentally coming into contact with it. It is an excellent idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially in the case of wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem when the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning properly. In addition, it is essential to be aware of the state, local, and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules governing odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and limits on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are usually aimed at reducing air pollution and are in place to safeguard public health.