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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the roar of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid dangerous build-ups of creosote. A damper is an essential part of maintaining a good combustion. The type of firewood used can be a factor and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating a warm and cozy environment. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can significantly affect the effectiveness of the unit. The main fuel source for a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). It is essential to “seasoned” to lower the water content and increase its energy density prior to its use. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not burn effectively and may cause many creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year depending on the weather and climate conditions. A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment both in time and money to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, is working correctly, and that there is no combustible material near the unit. Regular inspections and cleanings will help to reduce the risk of room and chimney fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves has fine particles, which can harm the lungs and lead to serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants, including nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the climate of the earth. Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ secondary combustion to limit the production of harmful emissions during firing. To maximize performance, these stoves require an appropriately sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is also important to buy firewood that is seasoned and beware of the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the flame as this can overload the fire and create a dangerous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also store their firewood far away from their homes. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to prevent 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 essential to use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated in an oven or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is best to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been sliced up and stacked for several months prior to using. Before lighting a flame, remove ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into the metal waste bin to dispose of. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan broom to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the fire. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dirt, soot and dust that will be created. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe in any soot or ash particles. Begin by filling up an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls as well as surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness then use the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic look of fireplaces made of wood, the crackling sound of a burning fire and the cozy feeling they give have stood the test time. This is one feature that a lot of people seek when shopping for fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent to heat your home However, they also emit harmful gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can damage your lungs. It is crucial to have an effective system that can remove these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the quantity of harmful gases that are present in your home. There are stove wood burning of ways to design your fireplace to create a unique attractive. You can paint it to be in line with the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic appearance. You can also include an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. This will create a functional and fun feature in your home. You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as it looks great and goes with most homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the room and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that works well with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, which is also known as greige to celebrate 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 If they are not maintained and operated properly Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious dangers to safety. They emit fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure that it is working as it should. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is degrading, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. 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 set up cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air through the house to ensure that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace regularly to prevent them from building up too deep and obstructing air flow. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or another non-combustible container. Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, particularly if there is glass on the front. Children can be burned if they touch the hot surfaces after and during the fire. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces such as pokers, shovels, log lifers and brushes, can also be dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to avoid children accidentally coming into contact with it. It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, especially if there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem when the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning properly. In addition, it is essential to be aware of the state, local, and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These may include odor or nuisance rules, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.