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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The crackle of a wood-burning fireplace is a fantastic method to warm up the interior of a house. If you have one, it's essential to keep it maintained regularly to prevent the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. Airflow can be controlled with dampers and is a vital part of maintaining efficient combustion. The type of firewood used may be a factor in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a beautiful design that creates a cozy ambience and also heat. They are not energy-efficient and can contribute to air pollution if they are not maintained correctly. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney and installation may greatly affect 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”) It is essential to “seasoned” to lower the water content and increase its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is damp it will not burn as efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions. A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment both in time and money to keep it running properly. In addition to purchasing large quantities of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating well, and that there is no combustible material is stored near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can help reduce the risk of chimney fires as well as room fires. The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone which can harm the climate of the earth. Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a properly size chimney as well as flue liner to maximize performance. It is important to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally, homeowners should store their firewood away from the house to avoid termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors, toxins and can negatively affect air quality in the home. When burning wood in the fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is then treated by heating or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to using. Before lighting a flame, remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into a metal waste bin for disposal. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep and dispose of any other debris that may have accumulated outside the fire. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that can be accumulated. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any ash or particles of soot. Start by filling the bucket with a gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the solution well, and then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with your cleanness, use a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a burning fire and the warm feeling they give have stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people seek when shopping for fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent to heat your home, but they also emit dangerous gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. It is crucial to have an effective system that can eliminate these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. Many prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are many ways to make your fireplace more appealing and unique. You can use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel, or you can choose to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also add an edifice of stone that leads to the fireplace, which creates an interesting and practical feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, which is also known 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 in a safe manner If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious safety risks. They release fine particles that can enter deep into the lungs and cause lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane. A wood stove's flue should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue will help to keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires. If the flue's liner is becoming worn, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also important to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, which includes curtains, drapes and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air around the house so it doesn't go back up the chimney. Clean up the ashes regularly to prevent them from becoming a block to airflow and then becoming too large in size. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container. Children should be kept away from the fireplace, especially if it has glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they could be burned. In modern wood burning stoves , the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like pokers, log lifers, and shovels can be dangerous for kids to handle. To stop children from falling into the fire, it is recommended that a “safety area” of three feet must be constructed around it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in your home is also a great idea especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove are not operating properly, and is a poison to breathe. It is also essential to check the state, local, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules governing odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and are put in place to protect public health.