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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a fantastic way to warm a home. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. Airflow can be controlled using a damper and is a crucial element of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces can be a beautiful amenity, creating warm and inviting ambience. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if they are not maintained correctly. The type of wood used the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney and installation may greatly affect the efficiency of the appliance. The primary fuel for a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which is usually 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 and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp it won't burn effectively and will produce a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a whole year depending on the weather and the conditions of the climate. A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment both in money and time to maintain it in a proper manner. In addition, to purchasing a large amount of firewood, owners should regularly inspect and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, that it is operating correctly, and that no combustible material is stored near the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections can reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves is a source of fine particle pollution which can damage the lungs and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other air pollutants that are toxic, such as volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone which can impact the earth's climate. Effective EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. These stoves also require a properly size chimney as well as a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also crucial to buy firewood that is seasoned and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the flame as this can overload the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. In addition homeowners should store their firewood away from 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 as primary or supplemental heating and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins and can adversely affect the air quality within the home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is then treated by heating or kiln to get rid of all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been split and stored for a few months prior to use. Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are completely cool prior to placing them in an aluminum waste bin to be disposed of. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the fire. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dust and soot that will be generated. You should clear a working space and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. Wear a dust mask so that you don't inhale any soot or ash particles. Begin by filling the bucket with a gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the solution well, then employ a nylon brush to scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After you have scrubbed the walls and the areas around your fireplace, clean it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness then employ glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves for cleaning any glass doors. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sound of a burning fire and their warm feel create a cozy ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when buying fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces can be ideal to heat your home However, they also emit harmful gases. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place to help get rid of these toxins. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are many ways to make your fireplace look more appealing and distinctive. You can paint it to be in line with the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a 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 change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks fantastic and works with most homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is a popular color that goes with many styles and is on trend. Some homeowners mix beige and gray together called 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. contemporary wood burning stoves If not maintained and operated in a safe manner If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They release smoke, which has fine particles of pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs, causing lung diseases and other health problems. They also release hazardous air pollutants like carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and benzene. Wood smoke also 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's functioning correctly. A clean and functional chimney flue will help to keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires. If the flue liner is deteriorating, it should be replaced or repaired immediately. It is also essential to keep combustible materials away from the wood stove, such as curtains, drapes and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to move warm air around the home so it doesn't go back up the chimney. Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. Too much ash can restrict the oxygen supply to logs and reduce combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a bucket made of steel or any other non-combustible container. Keep children away from the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of a glass front. If they touch hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they may get burned. In addition, the different tools employed to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, pokers, log lifers and shovels, can be unsafe for children 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 and alarm in your home, particularly when there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may build up if the wood stove and chimney aren't functioning properly. It is also crucial to check the local, state and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on the smoke that is emitted from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and are in place to protect public health.