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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the roar of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to prevent the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. The airflow can be controlled by a damper and is a crucial element of maintaining efficient combustion. The kind of firewood used can make a difference in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning feature that creates a warm atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The quality and condition of your firebox, chimney system, and installation can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency. The main fuel source for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is usually bought in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it should be “seasoned” in order to decrease its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is too moist, it will not burn efficiently and can create a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a whole year dependent on the weather and the conditions of the climate. A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment both in time and money to maintain it properly. In addition to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free from obstructions and operating properly and that any combustible material is not stored close to the unit. Regular inspections and cleaning can help reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires. The smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic, such as volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the climate of the earth. Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use secondary combustion to limit the production of harmful emissions when firing. To optimize performance, these stoves require a properly sized chimney, as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is also crucial to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the flame as it can cause fire to become too hot and lead to a hazardous situation. Additionally homeowners should store their firewood away from the home to prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating and could qualify for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins, and can affect the quality of air in the home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Using kiln dried firewood will help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated in an oven or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to use. Before lighting a fire, remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before scooping them into the metal waste bin to be disposed of. With an empty pan or a whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dirt and soot generated. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a mask to avoid inhaling any ash or soot 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 household ammonia. Mix the solution well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors using a glass cleaner safe for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are beautiful that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. The rustic look of wood fireplaces as well as the roar of a burning fire and the warm feeling they give have stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces can be ideal to heat your home however, they also release harmful gasses. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that could cause lung damage. While the fireplaces are usually well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place that can assist in the elimination of these harmful substances. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for wood burning fireplace s, because they can reduce the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are a variety of ways to design your fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can use recycled 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 an edifice of stone that leads to the fireplace, creating an interesting and practical feature in your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice since 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 ambience. Gray is a popular option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together, known as 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 If not maintained and operated properly Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious safety risks. They emit fine particle pollution that can enter deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired immediately. It is also important to keep any combustible material away from the wood stove, such as curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation, which allows warm air throughout the home so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Make sure to regularly clean out the ashes to prevent them from becoming a block to airflow and then becoming too large in size. Too much ash can restrict the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also creates more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or other noncombustible container. Keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass front. There is a risk of burns when they touch hot surfaces after and during the fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, like pokers, log lifers, and shovels, are dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to prevent children coming in contact with it. It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, especially when there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't working properly, and is a poison to breathe. It is also important to be aware of the local, state and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules regarding nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limitations on visible emissions or the opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.