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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a fireplace with wood is a great way to warm your home. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to prevent the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. The type of firewood used can also affect the outcome and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful feature, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if they are not maintained correctly. The kind of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney installation and chimney can significantly affect the efficiency of the unit. 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'). Before burning firewood, it should be “seasoned”, to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not be able to burn efficiently and can create a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, based on the weather and the climate. Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to keep them correctly. In addition to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored close to the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections lower the chance of room and chimney fires. The smoke from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health issues such as heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other toxic air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the atmospheric depletion ozone and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that can alter the climate of the earth. Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ secondary combustion to limit the production of harmful emissions during firing. To ensure optimal performance they require the proper size chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is crucial to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, creating a risky situation. In addition homeowners should store their firewood away from their house to avoid termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the quality of air in your home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's essential to use dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. woodburning stoves dried wood is then treated by heating or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is a good idea to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and stacked for a few months prior to use. Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before scooping them into the metal waste bin to dispose of. Use a dustpan or whisk broom to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside the flame. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that are created. To safeguard your furniture from stains, you should clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket up with 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 into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors using a glass cleaner that is safe for wood burning stoves. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful and are not comparable to modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic look of wood fireplaces and the sound of a fire roaring and the cozy feeling they provide have stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are great to heat your home However, they also emit dangerous gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. It is crucial to have an effective system that can eliminate these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design to reduce the amount of harmful gases present in your home. There are several ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and unique. You can paint it to match the style of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also build an edifice of stone that leads to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white which lets light into the room and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a popular choice that is compatible with a variety of styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together, known as greige, to highlight this versatility 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 correctly, wood burning fireplaces can pose serious safety risks. They emit smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change through the release of methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure 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 liner is deteriorating it is recommended to replace it or repaired immediately. It is also crucial to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, such as curtains, drapes and other flammable items. It is recommended to install cross-ventilation, which helps move warm air through the house so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. A lot of ash can impede the oxygen supply to logs and reduce combustion efficiency, which also creates more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a bucket made of metal or any other non-combustible container. Children should be kept away from the fireplace area especially in the case of an open glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The various tools used to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels are also dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not falling into the fire and causing harm, an “safety area” of three feet should be set up around the fireplace. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in the home, particularly in the case of wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and accumulate when the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning correctly. It is also important to verify state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules for nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limits on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are usually aimed at reducing air pollution and are in place to protect the health of the public.