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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a wood-burning fireplace is a fantastic way to warm up a home. If you have one, it's essential to keep it maintained regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous build-ups of creosote. A damper is a crucial part of maintaining a good combustion. The type of firewood used can also affect the outcome and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a stunning design, generating warm and inviting atmosphere. However, they are not efficient in energy use and can result in polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney installation and chimney can significantly affect the overall effectiveness of the unit. The main fuel used in a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face cord or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it must be “seasoned”, to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not burn as efficiently and could cause lots of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a year or more, depending on the climate and weather conditions. A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in terms of both money and time to maintain it properly. Apart from purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners should regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's operating properly and that combustible materials aren't stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will reduce the chance of fires in chimneys and room fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves has fine particles, which can damage the lungs and cause serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants like volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric destruction of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can impact the earth's climate. Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions during firing. To optimize performance, these stoves require an appropriately sized chimney as well as installation of a flue lining. It is essential to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This could cause a surge of 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 fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating and may qualify you 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 release toxic odors and toxins, which can affect the air quality inside your home. The most important thing to remember when burning a fireplace made of wood is to make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated in an oven or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stored for a few months prior to use. Before starting a fire, sweep up ash from the floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before you dump them into an aluminum bin. With the whisk or a dust pan, broom, also sweep and dump any other stray debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dust and soot generated. To safeguard your furniture from stains, you should clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a dust mask to keep from breathing in any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as 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 the areas around your fireplace, wipe it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping process until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a burning fire and their warm feel provide a warm and inviting ambience that has stood the test of time. This is one feature that many people look for when they are looking for fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have an effective system in place to help get rid of these harmful substances. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home. There are many ways to design your fireplace to create a unique visually appealing. You can paint it to fit the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wood to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also add an outdoor stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, which creates a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice since it looks fantastic and works with most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a light airy feel. Gray is a popular option that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also known as greige to celebrate this 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 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 pollution that can get into the lungs and cause lung ailments and other health issues. 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 of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean, efficient flue will help to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable items like drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. Cross-ventilation is an excellent method to circulate warm air around the home to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney. Regularly sweep out the ashes to keep them from blocking the airflow and building up too much. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply for logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a metal container or in a non-combustible container. Keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly when there is glass on the front. wood stove burning can get burns by touching the hot surfaces after and during a fire. Additionally, the numerous different tools used to maintain a fireplace like pokers, log lifers, and shovels, can be dangerous for kids to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” must be set up around the fireplace to prevent children from coming into contact with it. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, particularly in the case of wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove are not functioning correctly, and it is harmful to breathe. It is also crucial to be aware of the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules for nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and restrictions on visible emissions or opacity of smoke from chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.