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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful method to warm up the interior of a house. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. A damper is a crucial part of maintaining a good combustion. The type of firewood used can also affect the outcome, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning design that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they are not energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The condition and the quality of your firebox, chimney system, and installation can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your entire system. The primary fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it must be “seasoned”, to reduce its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet it won't burn effectively and will produce a lot of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a year or more, depending on the weather and the climate. A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a substantial investment in terms of both money and time to maintain it properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will help reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires. The smoke from a wood-burning fire place is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems, including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves use a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. To optimize performance they require the proper size chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is crucial to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, causing a dangerous situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also keep their firewood in a safe location away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used as primary or additional heating and may qualify you for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins and can adversely affect the air quality in the home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in an oven or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is recommended to only use clean, seasoned wood that has been sliced into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to using. Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor of the fireplace and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool prior to taking them out of an aluminum waste bin to be disposed of. Make use of a brush or a Broom to sweep away any other stray materials that have accumulated outside of the fire. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot that is generated. To safeguard your furniture from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask to keep from breathing in any ash or soot 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 the solution well, then use a nylon brush to scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed, use a clean damp cloth to wipe and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with your cleanliness then make use of glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern propane or gas fire places cannot rival. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces, the crackling sound of a fire roaring and the warm feeling they give have stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that many people look for when looking for fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well ventilated, it is essential to have a system in place that can assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are many different ways to design your fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel or you could opt to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also install 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 because it looks fantastic and works with the majority of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace white which lets light into the space and creates light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a different option that works well with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners even mix beige and gray together called 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 Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety concerns if they're not maintained and operated properly. They emit fine particle pollution that can enter deep into the lungs, causing lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove should be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it is functioning correctly. A clean, well-functioning flue can help keep carbon monoxide leaks from becoming dangerous 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 all combustible items away from the wood stove, including curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to circulate warm air around the home to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed of the fireplace frequently to avoid them accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply to logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or a similar noncombustible container. Children should be kept out from the area around the fireplace especially if it has an open glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could be burned. The many tools used to maintain fireplaces, like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” must be set up around the fireplace to stop children coming in contact with it. Installing an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector in your home is a good idea too particularly if you own a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may build up in the wood stove if the chimney are not functioning properly. It is also essential to verify the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules for odors and nuisances, “no-burn days” and limitations on visible emissions, or opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. wood burner are usually focused on reducing air pollution and are put in place to protect public health.