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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The crackle of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to warm up a home. It is crucial to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. Airflow can be controlled with dampers which is a crucial element of maintaining efficient combustion. The type of firewood used can also affect the outcome, with hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive design that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they are not efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The quality and condition of your chimney, firebox system, and installation may have a significant impact on the efficiency of your entire system. Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before using firewood, it should be “seasoned” to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is not sufficiently moist it will not burn as efficiently and could cause a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a year depending on the weather and the conditions of the climate. Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to maintain them properly. In addition to purchasing a huge amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and examine their fireplace to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires. Smoke from a wood-burning stove is a source of fine particle pollution which can cause lung damage and lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds such as nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric reductions in greenhouse gases and ozone which can harm the climate of the earth. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. To maximize performance, these stoves require a properly sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is important to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. In addition homeowners should keep their firewood outside of the house to avoid termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and can be eligible for tax credits. However, they can be messy and require regular cleaning to prevent creosote and soot accumulation. A dirty fireplace can produce unpleasant odors, toxins and can affect the quality of air within the home. The most important thing to remember when burning a wood fireplace is to make use of dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will aid in reducing creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is treated by heating or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and placed in a stack for a couple of months prior to using. Before lighting a fire, clean up the ash from the fireplace floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes are cool completely before dumping them in the bin made of metal. Make use of a brush or a Broom to sweep away any other materials that have accumulated outside of the fire. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that will be created. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any ash or soot particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) as well as one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe and rinse the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are removed from your fireplace. When you're satisfied with the cleanness, make use of a glass cleaner that is safe for wood-burning stoves to clean the glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a look that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy ambience create an atmosphere that has stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people seek when they are looking for a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can harm your lungs. It is important to have a system that can eliminate these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. Many prefer zero clearance designs for wood burning fireplaces, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are a variety of ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and visually appealing. You can use recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also add an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will make a functional and fun feature for your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to let the space breathe and create a light airy ambience. Gray is a different option that works well with a variety of styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige, to highlight this aesthetic and flexibility. 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 properly maintained and operated. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke also contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure that it functions properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue liner is deteriorating it is recommended to replace it or repaired as soon as possible. It is also crucial to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, such as curtains, drapes and other flammable items. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to circulate warm air throughout the house so it doesn't go back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed from the fireplace on a regular basis to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. As much ash can limit the flow of oxygen to logs and reduce combustion efficiency, which also creates more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a bucket made of steel or other noncombustible container. Make fireplacesandstove that children are not in the area around the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass front. Children can be burned if they touch the hot surfaces after and during the fire. Additionally, the numerous different tools employed to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, pokers, log lifers, and shovels, can be hazardous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not falling into the fire, an “safety area” of three feet be constructed around it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is also a great idea, especially if you have a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can build up when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is harmful to breathe. Finally, it is important to be aware of state, local and tribal regulations for wood burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules regarding nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limits on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.