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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a fireplace that is wood-burning is a wonderful way to warm a home. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of the risk of creosote accumulating in dangerous amounts. Airflow can be controlled with a damper and is a crucial element of maintaining efficient combustion. The type 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 beautiful design that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides warmth. However, they aren't efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The condition and the quality of your firebox, chimney system, and installation can significantly affect the efficiency of your entire system. Firewood is the main 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 improve its energy density before use. If the wood is moist it will not burn as efficiently and will create a lot creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take anywhere from months to a year or more, based on the climate and weather conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to maintain them properly. In addition to buying large quantities of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, operates well, and that there is no combustible material is stored close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections lower the chance of fireplace and room fires. The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fire place contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues, including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases. It also releases harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that can affect the earth's climate. Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions during firing. exterior wood stove require a proper size chimney and the installation of a flue liner to optimize performance. It is also crucial to buy firewood that is seasoned and avoid the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the flame as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also keep their firewood away from their homes. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a tranquil atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and can be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the air quality inside your home. When burning wood in an open fireplace, it's essential to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote and soot buildup. Kiln dried firewood is 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 split and stored for a few months prior to using. Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Be sure to wait until the ashes are cool completely before throwing them into the bin made of metal. Make use of a brush or a brush to sweep and dispose of any other debris that may have accumulated outside the flame. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot generated. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths in order to protect against staining. Wear a mask to ensure that you don't breathe in soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your home. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use dry, clean cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors using an approved glass cleaner for wood burning stoves. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. The rustic appearance of fireplaces made of wood and the sound of a burning fire and the cozy atmosphere they give have stood the test of time. This is one feature that many people look for when looking for fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat, they also emit harmful gases into your home. They release carbon monoxide and smoke that could harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well-ventilated, it's important to have a system in place to help get rid of these harmful substances. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gasses that enter their home. There are many different ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and attractive. You can paint it to match the decor of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic look. You can also install an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, creating an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also alter your chimney's color. Black is a popular choice as it looks stunning and is compatible with a lot of homes. outdoor wood stove can also paint your fireplace in white which opens up the space and creates bright and airy space. Gray is a popular color that is compatible with a variety of styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners mix gray and beige and call it 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 they are not maintained and operated in a safe manner Wood burning fireplaces that are not properly maintained and operated can pose serious safety risks. They release smoke, which is a fine particle of pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs and cause lung ailments and other health issues. They also release dangerous air pollutants like carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove needs to be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure that it functions properly. A clean and functioning chimney flue can stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is deteriorating the flue liner should be replaced or repaired right away. It is also important to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, including curtains, drapes and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is a great way to move warm air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't end up back up the chimney. Clean up the ashes regularly to keep them from becoming a block to airflow and then becoming too large in size. A lot of ash can impede the flow of oxygen to logs and reduce combustion efficiency, which also creates more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or another noncombustible container. Keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly when there is glass front. If they come in contact with hot surfaces, both during and after the fire, they could get burned. The many tools employed to maintain fireplaces, such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes, and others can be hazardous for children to handle. To prevent children from getting into the fireplace accidentally and causing harm, it is recommended that a “safety area” of three feet must be created around the fireplace. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in your home is also a great idea especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may be a problem in the wood stove if the chimney aren't functioning properly. Finally, it is important to verify the state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations might include nuisance/odor rules, “no-burn” days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are often focused on reducing pollution in the air and are in place to safeguard public health.