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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's essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote. A damper is a crucial part of maintaining a good combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning feature that creates a warm ambience and also warmth. However, they are not efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The condition and the quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation could have a significant impact on the overall efficiency. 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 needs to be “seasoned”, to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is moist it won't burn effectively and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions. Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained correctly. In addition to purchasing a large amount 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 properly, and that there isn't any combustible materials close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particle pollution which can damage the lungs and cause serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone which can affect the climate of the earth. Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ the second combustion method to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a suitable size chimney as well as flue liner to maximize performance. It is also essential to buy seasoned firewood and resist the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire as it can cause fire to become too hot and lead to a hazardous situation. Additionally, homeowners should store their firewood away from their house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful atmosphere. They can be used for primary or as supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the quality of air in your home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup and soot. Kiln dried wood is processed by heating or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is recommended to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and stacked for a few 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. Make sure the ashes are cool before placing them in the metal waste bin to dispose of. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan brush to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that can be accumulated. To protect your furniture from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so that you don't inhale 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 areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution. Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with your cleanliness then make use of the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and cannot be compared to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sound of a roaring fire and their cozy ambience provide a warm and inviting ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, they also release harmful gases into your home. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. It is important to have an effective system to eliminate these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace to reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are many ways to make your fireplace look more appealing and unique. You can paint it to fit the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also add an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks stunning and is compatible with a lot of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the room and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a different option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige, to highlight 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 Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious dangers to safety. They release smoke that contains fine particle pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs to cause lung diseases and other health problems. They also release dangerous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it functions correctly. A clean, efficient flue helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is getting worn out it is recommended to replace it or repaired as soon as possible. Be sure to keep flammable objects like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation, which helps move warm air throughout the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes should be swept out from the fireplace on a regular basis to avoid them accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. As much ash can limit the oxygen supply to logs and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which causes more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or another non-combustible container. Children should be kept away from the fireplace, especially in the case of glass front. woodburning stoves can get burns when they touch hot surfaces while they are in an fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like brushes, pokers, log lifers and shovels, can be hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” must be set up around the fireplace to prevent children accidentally coming into contact with it. It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, particularly if there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may build up if the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning properly. Finally, it is important to check state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules for odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.