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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing is more welcoming than the crackle of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous build-ups of creosote. Airflow can be controlled using a damper which is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods like oak and ash produce less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a stunning amenity, creating an inviting and warm environment. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The kind of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the overall efficiency of the unit. Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it should be “seasoned” in order to decrease the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp, it won't burn efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, based on the weather and the climate. A fireplace that burns wood requires a substantial investment both in money and time to maintain it properly. In old wood burning stove fireplacesandstove to buying an enormous amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly check 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 cleanings will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles, which can damage the lungs and cause serious health issues like lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that can influence the earth's climate. Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use secondary combustion to minimize the production of harmful emissions during firing. They also require a suitable size chimney and the installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is essential to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood outside of the home to prevent 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. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxic odors and toxins which can negatively impact the quality of air in your home. The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning a fireplace made of wood is to always use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood aids in reducing creosote buildup and soot. Kiln dried wood is treated in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is a good idea to only use clean and seasoned wood that has been sliced into pieces and stacked for a few months before use. Before lighting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before throwing them into an aluminum bin. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan Broom to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the flame. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot that will be produced. To protect your furniture from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so that you don't breathe in soot or ash particles. Begin by filling the bucket with a 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 brush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use clean damp cloth to clean and rinse the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves with wood burning. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a look that modern gas or propane fire places cannot rival. Their rustic look, crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy feel provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is one feature that many people look for when shopping for fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal to heat your home However, they also emit harmful gasses. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can cause lung damage. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. This is why a lot of people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace to reduce the quantity of harmful gases that are present in your home. There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and unique. 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 an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which is an interesting and practical feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which looks beautiful and complements the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a light airy ambience. Gray is a different option that can be paired with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners even mix gray and beige together and call it greige to celebrate this 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 Wood burning fireplaces can lead to serious safety hazards if they are not maintained and operated properly. They release fine particles that can enter deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release hazardous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane. A wood stove's flue should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it's functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires. If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also important to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is a great way to move warm air around the house to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney. Regularly sweep out the ashes to prevent them from blocking the airflow and accumulating too deeply. Too much ash can restrict the flow of oxygen to logs and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of steel or another non-combustible container. Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially when there is glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To prevent children from falling into the fire, an “safety area” of three feet be constructed around the fireplace. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in your home is also a great idea particularly if you own a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can build up if the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly. In addition, it is essential to be aware of the state, local, and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules governing odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.