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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the roar of a fireplace that is wood-burning. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid the risk of creosote buildup. A damper is an important element in maintaining a high quality combustion. The kind of firewood used can affect the outcome in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a stunning feature, creating an inviting and warm environment. However, they are not efficient in energy use and can result in 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 greatly affect the effectiveness of the unit. Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it should be “seasoned” to reduce the amount of water and increase its energy density. If the wood is wet it will not burn as efficiently and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year, depending on weather and climate conditions. A fireplace with wood-burning capability requires a significant investment both in time and money to maintain it properly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's working properly, and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections lower the chance of room and chimney fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particle pollution which can harm the lungs and cause serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases toxic air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could affect the earth's climate. Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize an additional combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. These stoves also require a properly size chimney as well as a flue liner to optimize performance. It is important to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood outside of the house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other forms of heating and offer ambiance that can create a soothing atmosphere. contemporary wood burning stoves can be used for primary or supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins, and can negatively affect air quality in the home. When burning wood in the fireplace, it is important to use only dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is treated in a heated oven or kiln to remove all of its moisture content. It is a good idea to only burn clean, seasoned wood that has been cut up and stacked for several months prior to use. Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes are cool completely before dumping them in an aluminum bin. Make use of a brush or a brush 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 to shield yourself from the dust and soot that is produced. It is important to clear a work space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. Wear a dust mask so that you don't inhale any ash or particles of soot. Fill a large bucket up with 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 other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls as well as the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness then make use of a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful and aren't able to be compared with modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic look, crackling sounds of a burning fire and their warm feel create a cozy atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when buying fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are excellent to heat your home, but they also emit harmful gasses. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can cause lung damage. It is crucial to have a system that can eliminate these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are a variety of ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can paint it to fit the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic look. You can also include an uphill stone staircase to your fireplace. This will create an interesting and enjoyable feature in your home. You can also change your chimney's color. The most popular option is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a bright airy ambience. Gray is a different option that can be paired with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, which is also known as greige, to highlight 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 Wood burning fireplaces can cause serious safety hazards if they are not maintained and operated properly. They emit smoke, which contains fine particle pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate changes by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove needs to be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure that it functions properly. A clean, functioning flue helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is becoming worn, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also crucial to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, which includes curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation, which helps move warm indoor air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace regularly to prevent them from building up too deeply and obstructing air flow. As much ash can limit the flow of oxygen to logs and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container. Be sure to keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially if there is glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they may be burned. In addition, the different tools used to maintain a fireplace like pokers, log lifers, and shovels can be unsafe for children to handle. To prevent children from accidentally contacting the fireplace it is recommended that an “safety area” of three feet should be constructed around the fireplace. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in your home is also a great idea, especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove aren't functioning correctly, and it is harmful to breathe. In addition, it is essential to verify state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules regarding odors and nuisances, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke from homeowners' chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.