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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the sound of a wood burning fireplace. It is essential to keep your fireplace in good condition to prevent the build-up of dangerous creosote. A damper is an essential element in 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 a warm and cozy ambience. They are not energy-efficient and can cause harmful pollutant emissions if not maintained in a timely manner. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney installation and chimney can significantly affect the overall efficiency of the appliance. Firewood is the primary fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) It is essential to “seasoned” to reduce the water content and increase the energy density prior to use. If the wood is too wet it will not be able to burn effectively and may cause a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a whole year depending on the weather and climate conditions. A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment in terms of both time and money to keep it running properly. In addition to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, owners should regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, operates well, and that there is there isn't any combustible materials close to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections will reduce the chance of chimney fires as well as room fires. The smoke that comes from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, benzene and more. Wood smoke is a contributor to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that could alter the climate of the earth. Efficiency EPA certified wood stoves use a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during firing. To maximize performance the stoves need an appropriately sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue lined. 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, creating a risky situation. To stop termite infestations homeowners should also keep their firewood in a safe location away from their home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a fantastic alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil 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 in order to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is not cleaned can release toxic odors and toxins which can negatively impact the quality of air in your home. When burning wood in the fireplace, it is essential to use dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in a kiln or oven to get rid of all moisture. It is best to only burn clean, seasoned wood that has been cut up and stacked for several months prior to using. Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the fireplace's floor and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before placing them in an aluminum waste bin to dispose of. Using an empty pan or a whisk broom, also sweep and dump any other debris that may have accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron in order to protect yourself from the dust and soot that will be produced. You should clear a working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask to keep from breathing in any ash or soot particles. Begin by filling up the bucket with a 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 toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a clean damp 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're satisfied with the cleanliness then make use of glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a look that modern propane or gas fireplaces cannot match. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sound of a burning flame and their cozy ambience create a cozy atmosphere that has long stood the test of time. portable wood burning stove is one feature that many people look for when shopping for a fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces are ideal to heat your home, but they also emit harmful gasses. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that could cause lung damage. It is essential to have a system that can remove these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why many people prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are many ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique aesthetic. wood burning stoves for sale near me can paint it to fit the style of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it a more rustic look. You can also include an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will make an interesting and enjoyable feature for your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular color is black, which is beautiful and matches most homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a bright airy feel. Gray is a popular color that goes with many styles and is trendy. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, also referred to as greige to celebrate 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 If not maintained and operated correctly, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. They release fine particles which can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger lung disease. They also release harmful air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and methane. The flue in a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it's functioning properly. A clean and functional chimney flue can help stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue's lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired immediately. Be sure to keep flammable objects, such as curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation, which assists in moving warm air through the house so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed from the fireplace on a regular basis to keep them from accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. As much ash can limit the oxygen supply to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also causes more smoke. The ashes should be placed in a metal bucket or any other non-combustible container. Children should be kept away from the fireplace particularly when it has glass front. There is a risk of burns when they touch hot surfaces while they are in the fire. The many tools employed to maintain fireplaces such as pokers, shovels log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to prevent children accidentally coming into contact with it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is also a great idea particularly if you own a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and build up when the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly. In addition, it is essential 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 designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.