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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing is more welcoming than the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace. wood burning stove for sale is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to avoid dangerous creosote buildup. Airflow can be controlled using dampers which is an essential element in maintaining a high-quality combustion. The type of firewood used may be a factor, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful air pollution if not maintained properly. The condition and quality of your chimney system, and installation may significantly affect the overall efficiency. Firewood is the main fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) The wood must be “seasoned” to lower the water content and increase the 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 whole year depending on the weather and climate conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a significant investment of time and money to keep them properly. Apart from purchasing a large quantity of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplaces to ensure that the chimney is free from obstructions and that it's working properly, and that combustible materials are not stored close to the unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of fireplace 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 harmful air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric destruction of ozone and greenhouse gases, which can affect the climate of the earth. Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to reduce the generation of harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance the stoves need a properly sized chimney as well as installation of a flue liner. It is important to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire, such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, creating a risky situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also keep their firewood far away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other forms of heating. They also create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can create a soothing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplemental heating, and can be eligible for tax credits. However they can be messy and require regular cleaning to avoid creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors, which can affect the air quality in your home. The most important thing to remember when burning in a wood fireplace is to always make use of dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is then treated by heating or kiln to remove all moisture. It is a good idea to only burn clean and seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and stacked for a few months prior to use. Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure that the ashes are completely cool before taking them out of a metal waste bin for disposal. Use a dustpan or whisk Broom to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside of the fire. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dirt and soot that will be produced. To keep your furniture safe from stains, you should clean the area and cover it with drop cloths. Wear a dust mask so that you don't breathe in soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a dry, clean cloth to clean and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible stains are eliminated from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sound of a burning flame and their cozy feel provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people are looking for when they are looking for fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are great to heat your home however, they also release dangerous gasses. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can cause lung damage. It is important to have an effective system to eliminate these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. Many people prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, as they reduce the amount harmful gases in their home. There are a variety of ways to design your fireplace to create a unique attractive. You can make use of reclaimed wood to give it a more rustic feel or you could opt to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also install a stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, creating an interesting and practical feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice because it looks fantastic and works with the majority of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace white which opens up the room and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that is compatible with many different styles and is a contemporary trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige together called greige to celebrate this 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 Wood burning fireplaces can cause serious safety concerns if they're not maintained and operated properly. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. A wood stove's flue should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. A clean, functioning flue helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is getting worn out it is recommended to replace it or repaired as soon as possible. Keep flammable items, such as curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation which allows warm air through the house so that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace regularly 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 combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a metal container or another noncombustible container. Make sure that children are not in the area around the fireplace, especially in the case of glass front. There is a risk of burns if they touch the hot surfaces after and during an fire. In addition, the many different tools employed to maintain a fireplace like pokers, log lifers and shovels, are unsafe for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to avoid children coming in contact with it. It is an excellent idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, particularly in the case of a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and accumulate if the wood stove and chimney are not functioning properly. It is also important to check the local, state and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These may 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 air pollution and are in place to safeguard public health.