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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing is more welcoming than the sound of a wood burning fireplace. If you have one, it is vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous creosote build-ups. The airflow can be controlled by a damper which is a vital part of keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be an attractive design, generating warm and inviting atmosphere. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The type of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney installation and chimney can significantly impact the effectiveness of the appliance. Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Firewood must be “seasoned” to lower the water content and increase its energy density prior to use. If the wood is not sufficiently moist, it will not burn efficiently and can create many creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a full year dependent on the weather and the conditions of the climate. A wood burning fireplace requires a significant investment in both money and time to keep it running properly. Apart from purchasing a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is operating properly and that combustible materials aren't stored close to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particle pollution, which can cause lung damage and cause serious health issues, including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic like volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the earth's climate. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves employ the second combustion method to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance the stoves need the proper size chimney as well as installation of a flue lined. It is also important to buy seasoned firewood and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire as it can cause fire to become too hot and create a dangerous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also keep their firewood far away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a peaceful atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and may qualify you for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release toxic odors and toxins, which can affect the quality of air in your home. The most important thing to remember when using a fireplace made of wood is to always make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried firewood can be treated in a heated oven or kiln to remove all of its moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stacked for a few months prior to use. Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to taking them out of a metal waste bin to dispose of. With the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dust and soot produced. To keep your furniture safe from stains, clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask in order to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles. Start by filling the bucket with a gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. wood burning stoves , and then use a nylon brush to scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as the surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping procedure until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness you can make use of glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sound of a burning fire and their cozy feel create a cozy atmosphere that has stood the test of time. Many people look for this feature when buying a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide as well as smoke that could cause lung damage. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. 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 a variety of ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can make use of recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance, or you can choose to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also install an outdoor stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, creating a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice since it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a third option that works well with many different styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, 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 properly maintained and operated. They emit fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean, functioning flue helps stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is getting worn out, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Be sure to keep flammable objects, such as drapes, curtains, and other flammable objects, away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which allows warm indoor air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't rush back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed of the fireplace frequently to prevent them from building up too deeply and obstructing air flow. Too much ash can restrict the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which results in more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or another non-combustible container. Children should be kept out from the area around the fireplace especially if it has an open glass front. There is a risk of burns by touching the hot surfaces during and after the fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace, such as brushes, log lifers, pokers and shovels can be hazardous for children to handle. To prevent children from getting into the fireplace accidentally it is recommended that an “safety area” of three feet be set up around it. It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in the home, especially when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is harmful to breathe. It is also essential to verify the local, state, and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations could include rules governing nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limits on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.