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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a fireplace with wood is a fantastic way to warm up the interior of a house. 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 crucial element of maintaining a high-quality combustion. The type of firewood used may make a difference, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy ambience and also heat. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and can contribute to air pollution if not maintained in a timely manner. The condition and the quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency. The primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) It is essential to “seasoned” to reduce its water content and improve its energy density before use. If the wood is damp it won't burn effectively and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to keep them correctly. In addition to purchasing a huge quantity of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections help reduce the risk for room and chimney fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particle pollution, which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health problems including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants, including nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can affect the earth's climate. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves use a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance the stoves need a properly sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is essential to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, causing a dangerous situation. To avoid termite infestation homeowners should also keep their firewood in a safe location away from their homes. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or additional heating and may qualify you for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release toxins and unpleasant odors that can impact the air quality in your home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's important to use only dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven, or kiln, to eliminate all moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to use. Before lighting a fire, clean up the ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before throwing them into the bin made of metal. Make use of a whisk or a dustpan brush to sweep and dispose of any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dust, soot, and dirt that will be created. It is important to clear a work space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. Wear a dust mask to ensure that you don't breathe in ash or particles of soot. Begin by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed the walls and the areas around your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, clean off any glass doors with a glass cleaner that is safe for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces and the sound of a fire roaring and the cozy atmosphere they provide have stood the test time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating, they also emit harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gases can harm your lungs. It is important to have a system to eliminate these toxins, even though fireplaces are well ventilated. Many prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, 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 make it more unique and visually appealing. You can paint it to match the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic look. You can also add an uphill stone staircase to the fireplace. wood burner fireplace will make an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home. You can also change your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as it looks great and goes with most homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace white which lets light into the space and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that works well with a variety of styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, also referred to as greige to celebrate 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 properly If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They release smoke that is a fine particle of pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs, causing lung diseases and other health problems. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane. The flue in a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaking and chimney fires. If the flue is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired immediately. Be sure to keep flammable objects, such as drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to move warm air around the home so that it doesn't return up the chimney. Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to prevent them from blocking airflow and building up too much. The accumulation of ash will decrease the oxygen supply for logs, which will reduce the efficiency of combustion and leading to more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or in a non-combustible container. Children should be kept out from the fireplace especially if it has a glass front. They can get burns when they touch hot surfaces during and after a fire. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. To stop children from accidentally contacting the fireplace, a “safety area” of three feet should be set up around the fireplace. It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in the home, especially if there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove are not operating properly, and is a poison to breathe. It is also essential to check the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules for nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limitations on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.