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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the crackle of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous creosote build-ups. The airflow can be controlled by a damper and is an essential element in keeping the combustion efficient. The type of firewood used can make a difference and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a stunning feature, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The condition and quality of your chimney system, and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency. The main fuel source for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is usually bought in a face cord or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Firewood must be “seasoned” to lower the water content and increase the energy density before use. If the wood is moist, it won't burn efficiently and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a whole year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate. Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to keep them correctly. Apart from purchasing a large quantity of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that combustible materials are not stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will help reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires. The smoke from wood-burning fireplaces contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems, including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the destruction of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can impact the earth's climate. wood burners certified wood stoves employ the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a proper size chimney as well as flue liner to maximize performance. It is also essential to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire, as this can overload the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from the home. woodburning stove -burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that creates a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release toxic odors and toxins which can negatively impact the air quality in your home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven, or kiln, to eliminate all moisture content. It is a good idea only to burn clean, seasoned wood that has been split up and stacked for several months prior to using. Before lighting a flame, remove ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cool completely before throwing them into an aluminum bin. Utilizing a dust pan or whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that can be accumulated. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask in order to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the mixture well, then use a nylon brush scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use clean, damp cloth to wipe and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are eliminated from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, clean off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for wood burning stoves. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood as well as the roar of a burning fire and the cozy feeling they give have stood the test time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent for heating your home however, they also release harmful gases. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can harm your lungs. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place to help get rid of these toxins. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, as they reduce the amount harmful gases in their home. There are many different ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or you could opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also build an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice since it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a bright airy ambience. Gray is a popular color that goes with many styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also referred to as greige, to show 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 release fine particles that can get into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane. The flue in a wood stove must be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it is working properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires. If the flue is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. Keep flammable materials like curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which allows warm air through the home so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney. Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to keep them from blocking airflow and becoming too large in size. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or another noncombustible container. Make sure that children are not in the area near the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass on the front. There is a risk of burns by touching the hot surfaces after and during the fire. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces, such as pokers, shovels, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” should be established around the fireplace to avoid children from coming into contact with it. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in the home, especially when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove are not functioning correctly, and it is poisonous to breathe. It is also essential to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules governing odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are usually aimed at reducing air pollution and are put in place to safeguard public health.