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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous creosote build-ups. Airflow can be controlled with dampers and is a crucial element of maintaining a high-quality combustion. The type of firewood used can affect the outcome and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, they aren't efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney and installation may significantly affect the overall efficiency of the unit. The main fuel source for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is usually purchased in a face or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it needs to be “seasoned” in order to decrease the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is moist it will not burn as efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a year or more, based on the weather and the climate. A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in terms of both time and money to keep it running properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that combustible materials aren't stored close to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of fireplace and 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 disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic like volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that influence the earth's climate. Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to reduce the generation of harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a properly size chimney and the installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is essential to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, causing a dangerous situation. Additionally homeowners should keep their firewood away from the house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release harmful odors and toxic substances, which can affect the air quality in your home. The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning a wood fireplace is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven, or kiln, to remove all moisture content. It is a good idea to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to using. Before lighting a fire, remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool before taking them out of the metal waste bin to be disposed of. Using the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot that is produced. To protect your furniture from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any soot or ash particles. Begin by filling up a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanliness you can use the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern gas or propane fire places cannot rival. The rustic look of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a fire burning and the cozy feeling they create have stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people are looking for when they are looking for fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can cause lung damage. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place to assist in the elimination of these toxins. 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 a variety of ways to make your fireplace more attractive and unique. You can paint it to fit the style of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also build a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, creating an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which looks beautiful and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a light, airy atmosphere. Gray is a popular color that can be paired with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, also referred to as greige to celebrate this aesthetic and flexibility. 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 Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety concerns if they're not maintained and operated properly. They emit fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs and cause lung diseases. They also release hazardous air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly. A clean, functioning flue helps stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If wood burner clearance sale is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also essential to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, such as drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation which helps move warm indoor air throughout the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to avoid them blocking airflow and accumulating too deeply. A lot of ash can impede the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also results in more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of steel or another non-combustible container. Children should be kept out from the area around the fireplace, especially if it has an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The many tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” should be established around the fireplace to prevent children coming in contact with it. It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, particularly if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can build up when the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly. Finally, it is important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include nuisance/odor rules, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on the smoke that is emitted from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.