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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the crackle of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they aren't efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The kind of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney installation and chimney can greatly affect the efficiency of the appliance. The primary fuel for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). The wood must be “seasoned” to lower the water content and improve its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is moist, it won't burn efficiently and will produce 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 keep them correctly. In addition to purchasing large quantities of firewood, homeowners must regularly inspect and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating correctly, and that there is no combustible material close to the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of room and chimney fires. Smoke from a wood-burning stove contains fine particle pollution, which can harm the lungs and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone which can affect the climate of the earth. Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a properly size chimney and the installation of a flue liner to optimize performance. 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 could cause a surge of fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. In addition homeowners should store their firewood away from the home to prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and could be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins, and can negatively affect air quality inside the home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's important to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried wood is treated in an oven or kiln to remove all moisture. It is recommended only to burn clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to use. Before lighting a fire, remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before dumping them in an aluminum bin. Use a dustpan or whisk brush to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside the fire. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot generated. It is important to clear a work area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. Wear a mask to ensure you don't breathe in any soot or ash particles. Start 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 the solution well, then use a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves with wood burning. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a look that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. Their rustic look, the crackling sound of a burning fire and their cozy ambience provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is a feature that many people look for when shopping for fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent to heat your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can cause lung damage. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home. There are many different ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and attractive. You can choose to use recycled wood to give it a rustic look or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also include an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will make an interesting and enjoyable feature in your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which looks stunning and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that is compatible with many different styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners mix beige and gray together and call it greige to celebrate this flexibility 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 If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They release smoke, which contains fine particle pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs to cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. small wood stove is also a contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue in a wood stove must be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it's working properly. A clean, efficient flue will help to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired immediately. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, drapes and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm indoor air throughout the house so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed of the fireplace frequently to prevent them from building up too deeply and obstructing air flow. 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 should be stored in a bucket made of steel or any other non-combustible container. Children should be kept away from the fireplace especially if it has a glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could be burned. Additionally, the numerous different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like brushes, pokers, log lifers and shovels can be dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to prevent children accidentally coming into contact with it. Installing an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector in your home is a good idea too, especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may be a problem if the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly. Finally, it is important to check the state, local, and tribal regulations for 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 usually designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.