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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a house like the crackle of a wood burning fireplace . If you have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous creosote build-ups. Airflow can be controlled using a damper, and this is a crucial element of keeping the combustion efficient. The type of firewood used can affect the outcome and hardwoods like oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides warmth. They aren't efficient in terms of energy and could cause pollutant emissions if not maintained in a timely manner. The kind of wood used, the quality and condition of the firebox, the chimney system and installation can significantly affect the overall efficiency of the appliance. The main fuel used in a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which can be bought in a face cord or a full cord (measured at 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 too wet, it will not burn effectively and may cause many creosote. Seasoning wood can take months or even a year, depending on weather and the conditions of the climate. A wood burning fireplace requires a substantial investment both in money and time to maintain it properly. In addition to purchasing large quantities of firewood, owners should regularly clean and inspect their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, operates properly, and that no combustible material is stored near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can help reduce the risk of fires in chimneys and room fires. The smoke that comes from wood-burning fireplaces is a source of fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health problems including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases. It also releases toxic air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke may contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could influence the earth's climate. Efficient EPA-certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to minimize the production of harmful emissions during the firing. To optimize performance they require an appropriately sized chimney as well as the installation of a flue liner. It is also essential to purchase seasoned firewood, and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like gasoline, lighter fluid or butane torch to the fire as they can add fuel to the fire and lead to a hazardous situation. Additionally homeowners should keep their firewood away from their house to help prevent termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy alternative to other types of heating. They also provide ambiance that can create a soothing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or as supplemental heat and could be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release harmful odors and toxic substances that can impact the air quality inside your home. When burning wood in the fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood helps reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. Kiln dried wood is treated in an oven or kiln to remove all moisture. It is also a good idea to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that has been split and stacked for a few months prior to use. Before you start a fire remove ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before taking them out of a metal waste bin to dispose of. Make use of a brush or a brush to sweep and dispose of any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the fire. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to shield yourself from the dust, soot, and dirt that can be accumulated. It is recommended to clear the working space and cover any adjacent furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. It is also recommended to wear a dust mask in order to keep from breathing in any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP), one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush in the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with a damp, clean cloth. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping procedure until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness, employ glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a beauty that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sound of a roaring fire and their cozy ambience create an atmosphere that has stood the test of time. Many people look for this feature when purchasing fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating, they also emit harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can harm your lungs. It is crucial to have a system that can remove these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is why a lot of people prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases present in your home. There are a variety of ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. 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 include 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. The most popular color is black, which is beautiful and matches 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 option that goes with many styles and is currently trending. Some homeowners mix beige and grey together, also referred to as greige, to highlight the 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 If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They release smoke that is a fine particle of pollutants that can be absorbed into the lungs to cause lung ailments and other health issues. 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 of a wood stove must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it's functioning correctly. 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 immediately. Be sure to keep flammable objects like curtains, drapes and other items that are flammable away from the wood stove. It is recommended to set up cross-ventilation, which allows warm indoor air throughout the house so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney. Ashes should be swept out of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, reducing combustion efficiency and resulting in more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a bucket made of metal or other noncombustible container. Keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass on the front. There is a risk of burns if they touch the hot surfaces while they are in an fire. In addition, the many different tools used to maintain a fireplace such as brushes, pokers, log lifers, and shovels can be unsafe for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” must be set up around the fireplace to prevent children accidentally coming into contact with it. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, particularly when there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove are not functioning correctly, and it is a poison to breathe. In addition, it is essential to verify state, local and tribal regulations on wood burning fireplaces. These may include nuisance/odor rules, “no-burn” days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for the smoke that is emitted from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and protect the public's health.