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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic method to warm up a home. If you have one, it is important to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous build-ups of creosote. A damper is a crucial component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The kind of firewood used can also make a difference in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be an attractive design, generating an inviting and warm environment. They are not energy-efficient and can contribute to air pollution if not maintained in a timely manner. The quality and condition of your chimney system, and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency. The primary fuel for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which can be purchased in a face or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it must be “seasoned” in order to decrease its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet it will not burn as efficiently and will create a lot creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a whole year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate. A wood burning fireplace requires a significant investment both in money and time to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to buying an enormous amount of firewood, owners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, is working correctly, and that there isn't any combustible materials near the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will help to reduce the risk of room and chimney 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 diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that can influence the earth's climate. Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use a secondary combustion process to limit the production of harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a suitable sized chimney and installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is important to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also keep their firewood far away from their homes. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating, and could qualify for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins, and can adversely affect the air quality in the home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven or kiln, to eliminate all of its moisture content. It is also a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to use. Before starting a fire, clean up the ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cooled completely before dumping them in a metal bin. Make use of a brush or a broom to sweep away any other debris that may have accumulated outside of the fire. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from dirt, soot and dust that can be accumulated. It is recommended to clear the working area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any soot or ash particles. Start by filling an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls and the surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness then use glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern gas or propane fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sound of a burning fire and their cozy feel create a cozy atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is one feature that many people look for when they are looking for a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent for heating your home However, they also emit dangerous gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can cause lung damage. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. Many prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home. There are a variety of ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can make use of reclaimed wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance, or you can choose to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also install an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, creating an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks fantastic and works with the majority of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a fresh, airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that works well with many different styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, which is also known as greige, to highlight the 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 issues if not maintained and operated properly. They release smoke, which has fine particles of pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs to cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it's functioning properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is also important to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, which includes curtains, drapes and other flammable items. It is a good idea to install cross-ventilation, which allows warm indoor air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from blocking airflow and building up too much. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. cheap wood burning stoves can be stored in a container made of metal or a similar noncombustible container. Keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly when there is glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they could get burned. Additionally, the numerous different tools employed to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels can be hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to stop children coming in contact with it. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, particularly in the case of a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't functioning correctly, and it is a poison to breathe. It is also important to be aware of the state, local, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include odor or nuisance rules, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.