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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a fireplace with wood is a fantastic way to warm the interior of a house. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. A damper is an essential component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The type of firewood used may make a difference and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be an attractive amenity, creating warm and inviting ambience. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The condition and quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency. The main fuel used in a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is usually purchased in a face or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it must be “seasoned”, to reduce its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is moist it will not burn as efficiently and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a full year depending on the weather and the conditions of the climate. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to keep them properly. In addition to buying an enormous amount of firewood, owners must regularly inspect and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating properly, and that no combustible material is stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves has fine particles, which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases toxic air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke contributes to atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can affect the earth's climate. Effective EPA-certified wood stoves employ an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a suitable size chimney and the installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is important to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally homeowners should keep their firewood away from their house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil ambience. They 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 avoid creosote and soot buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins and can negatively affect air quality inside the home. The most important thing to keep in mind when you are burning a fireplace made of wood is to make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven, or kiln, to remove all of its moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to use. Before you start a fire remove ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into an aluminum bin. With the whisk or a dust pan, broom, also sweep and dump any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. mini wood burning stove and an apron when cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dust, soot and dirt that will be created. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. Wear a mask to ensure that you don't inhale any soot or ash particles. Start by filling a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After you have scrubbed, use a clean damp cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, rinsing and wiping until all visible deposits are cleared from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, clean down any glass doors using a glass cleaner safe for wood burning stoves. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy feel create an ambience that has stood the test of time. This is one feature that a lot of people are looking for when they are looking for fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces can be great to heat your home However, they also emit harmful gasses. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. It is important to have an effective system to eliminate these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why many people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are a variety of ways to make your fireplace more appealing and unique. You can paint it to be in line with the interior decor of your living space or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic look. You can also add an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will make a functional and fun feature in your home. You can also alter your chimney's color. The most popular option is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. relevant website can also paint your fireplace white to open up the space and create a light airy feel. Gray is another option that is compatible with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix beige and gray together, known as greige, to highlight this versatility 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 Wood burning fireplaces can lead to serious safety concerns if they're not maintained and operated properly. They emit fine particle pollution that can get 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 emitting carbon dioxide and methane. The flue in a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it is working properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is degrading, it should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Keep flammable items like curtains, drapes and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation which allows warm air through the house to ensure that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes should be cleared from the fireplace on a regular basis to prevent them from building up too deep and blocking the air flow. As much ash can limit the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or another noncombustible container. Be sure to keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass on the front. They can get burns when they touch hot surfaces after and during an fire. In addition, the different tools used to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, pokers, log lifers, and shovels can be hazardous for children to handle. To stop children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, a “safety area” of three feet be set up around the fireplace. It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in the home, especially when there is a wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may build up if the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning correctly. It is also crucial to verify the local, state and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These may include odor or nuisance rules, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually focused on reducing air pollution and are put in place to protect the health of the public.