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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace. It is important to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. Airflow can be controlled using dampers which is an essential element in maintaining efficient combustion. The kind of firewood used can make a difference, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy ambiance and provides warmth. They aren't energy efficient and could cause air pollution if not maintained properly. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, the chimney system and installation can significantly impact the effectiveness of the unit. The main fuel used in 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 reduce the water content and increase its energy density before use. If the wood is too moist it will not burn as efficiently and could cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions. A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment in both time and money to maintain it in a proper manner. 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 well, and that there is there is no combustible material near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will lower the chance of room and chimney fires. The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems such as heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone which can harm the earth's climate. Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a proper size chimney and the installation of flue liner to maximize performance. It is also crucial to buy firewood that is seasoned and avoid the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the fire as it can cause fire to become too hot and lead to a hazardous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also keep their firewood far away from their home. 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 could be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors which can negatively impact the air quality in your home. The most important thing to remember when burning a wood fireplace is to use dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven or kiln, to eliminate all of its moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been split and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to use. Before lighting a fire, take the ashes off the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cooled completely before dumping them in a metal bin. With the whisk or a dust pan, broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dirt, soot and dust that are created. To protect your furniture from stains, you should clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask in order to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix the solution well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution. Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness you can make use of a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and cannot be compared to modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a roaring fire and their cozy feel provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people seek when they are looking for fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating however, they also release harmful gases into your home. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have an effective system in place to help get rid of these toxins. Many prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home. There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also build a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, creating an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which is beautiful and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that works well with a variety of styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners even mix beige and gray together and call it greige to show their 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 safety risks. They emit smoke, which is a fine particle 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 is also a contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove needs to be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue will help to keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires. If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired right away. It is also essential to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed of the fireplace frequently to avoid them accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. A lot of ash can impede the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce combustion efficiency, which also results in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or a similar noncombustible container. Children should be kept away from the fireplace area particularly if it has a glass front. There is a risk of burns if they touch the hot surfaces while they are in a fire. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels can be hazardous for children to handle. To stop children from falling into the fire and causing harm, it is recommended that a “safety area” of three feet be set up around the fireplace. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is a good idea too, especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't working properly, and is poisonous to breathe. wood stoves near me is also important to check the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules governing odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are often aimed at reducing pollution in the air and are in place to protect public health.