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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The crackle of a wood-burning fireplace is a fantastic method to warm up a home. If you have one, it's essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid the risk of the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is an essential element in maintaining efficient combustion. The kind of firewood used can affect the outcome and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be an attractive feature, creating a warm and cozy environment. However, they are not efficient in energy use and can result in harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The condition and quality of your chimney system, and installation can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency. The main fuel used in a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is typically 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 damp it won't burn effectively and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a full year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate. A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment in terms of both time and money to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, owners must regularly inspect and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating properly, and that there is no combustible material close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires. The smoke that comes from wood-burning fireplaces has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disease. It also releases toxic air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric depletion of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can affect the earth's climate. Effective EPA certified wood stoves employ a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To maximize performance they require the proper size chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is essential to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, creating a risky situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or as supplemental heat and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins, and can adversely affect the air quality inside the home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's important to use only dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in a kiln or oven to remove all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stored for a few months prior to use. Before lighting a fire, clean up the ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before scooping them into an aluminum waste bin for disposal. Use a dustpan or whisk broom to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside the fire. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that are created. To protect your furniture from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a mask to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix the mixture well, and then use a nylon brush scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, clean down any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for wood burning stoves. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a roaring fire and their cozy ambience create a cozy ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent to heat your home, but they also emit harmful gases. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well ventilated, it is essential to have a system in place that can aid in eliminating these toxins. Many prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, as they reduce the amount harmful gasses that enter their home. There are many ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and visually appealing. You can make use of reclaimed wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also build a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice as it looks great and goes with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a light, airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that works well with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige, to show this style and its versatility. 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 Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can be a serious risk to safety. They release smoke that contains fine particle pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause lung illnesses 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 by releasing carbon dioxide and methane. The flue in a wood stove must be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it's functioning properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires. If the flue liner is degrading it is recommended to replace it or repaired immediately. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, drapes and other objects that ignite, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney. Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to prevent them from blocking the airflow and building up too much. contemporary wood burning stoves will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or in a non-combustible container. Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly if there is glass on the front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they may get burned. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels can be hazardous for children to handle. To stop children from falling into the fire it is recommended that an “safety area” of three feet be created 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 is poisonous and may be a problem if the wood stove and chimney are not working properly. It is also essential to be aware of the local, state and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules regarding nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.