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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing is more welcoming than the roar of a wood burning fireplace. If very small wood burning stove have one, it's vital to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous build-ups of creosote. Airflow can be controlled with a damper, and this is an essential element in maintaining efficient combustion. Hardwoods such as oak and ash create less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive feature that creates a warm atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they aren't energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if they aren't properly maintained. The type of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, the chimney and installation may significantly impact the efficiency of the appliance. Firewood is the main fuel source for a wood-burning stove. It is typically purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it needs to be “seasoned” in order to decrease the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is moist it won't burn effectively and will create a lot creosote. Seasoning wood can last for months or even a year depending on the weather and the climate. Wood burning fireplaces demand a significant investment of time and money to keep them properly. In addition to purchasing a large amount of firewood, homeowners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, is working correctly, and that there isn't any combustible materials near the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleaning can reduce the risk of chimney fires as well as room fires. Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace is a source of fine particle pollution which can harm the lungs and lead to serious health problems including lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases airborne toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and benzene. Wood smoke contributes to the atmospheric depletion of greenhouse gases and ozone, which can impact the climate of the earth. Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To ensure optimal performance they require the proper size chimney as well as the installation of a flue lined. It is crucial to use well-seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can cause overheated fire, causing a dangerous situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used for primary or supplemental heating, and may qualify you for tax credits. They can be messy and require regular cleaning in order to prevent creosote and soot buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can release harmful odors and toxic substances which can negatively impact the air quality inside your home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is essential to use dry firewood. Using small wood burning stove dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried wood is processed in an oven or kiln to remove all moisture. It is a good idea to only use clean well-seasoned wood that has been cut into pieces and stacked for a few months before use. Before you start a fire sweep up ash from the floor and around the grate and smoke shelf. Make sure the ashes are cool before scooping them into an aluminum waste bin to be disposed of. Using a dust pan or whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, make sure to wear gloves and an apron to shield yourself from the dirt and soot that is produced. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clean the area thoroughly and cover it with drop cloths. You should also wear a dust mask 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) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of ammonia from your household. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, wiping and cleaning process until all visible deposits are removed from your fireplace. Once you're satisfied with your cleanliness you can employ the glass cleaner that's safe for wood-burning stoves to clean any glass doors. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern gas or propane fireplaces. The rustic appearance of wood fireplaces as well as the roar of a burning fire and the cozy feeling they create have stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when purchasing fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat but they also release harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. It is essential to have a system that can remove these harmful substances, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer a zero clearance wood burning fireplace which helps to lower the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are many ways to make your wood fireplace more attractive and distinctive. You can choose to use recycled wood to give it a more rustic feel, or you can choose to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also build an uphill stone staircase that is connected to the fireplace. This will create a functional and fun feature for your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. Black is a popular choice since it looks great and goes with a lot of homes. You can also paint your fireplace white to make the room appear larger and create a fresh airy feel. Gray is a third option that works well with a variety of styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners blend grey and beige together, which is also known as greige, to show 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 Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety issues if not properly maintained and operated. They release fine particles that can enter deep into the lungs and trigger lung diseases. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is a major contributor to climate change by release of carbon dioxide and methane. The flue of a wood stove needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly. A clean, functioning flue helps prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue is showing signs of wear, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Be sure to keep flammable objects, such as drapes, curtains and other objects that ignite away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation which assists in moving warm indoor air throughout the house to ensure that it doesn't get pushed back up the chimney. Ashes must be removed from the fireplace on a regular basis to avoid them accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. A lot of ash can impede the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease combustion efficiency, which also results in more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a metal container or a similar noncombustible container. Be sure to keep children away from the area near the fireplace, particularly in the case of glass front. There is a risk of burns if they touch the hot surfaces during and after an fire. The many tools employed to maintain fireplaces like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. To prevent children from accidentally contacting the fireplace and causing harm, it is recommended that a “safety area” of three feet should be constructed around the fireplace. It is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm in your home, especially in the case of a wood stove. Carbon monoxide can be poisonous and accumulate if the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly. It is also important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These may include rules regarding odors and nuisances, “no-burn” days and visible emission limits or opacity limits for smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are usually designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.