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Maintaining Fireplaces & Stove Burning Fireplace The crackle of a wood-burning fireplace is a wonderful way to warm your home. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to avoid the risk of dangerous creosote build-ups. Airflow can be controlled with dampers and is a vital part of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash create less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning amenity that creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides heat. However, they aren't efficient in terms of energy efficiency and can cause polluting air if they are not properly maintained. The condition and quality of your chimney, firebox system, and installation may be a major factor in the efficiency of your entire system. Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is typically bought in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Before burning firewood, it must be “seasoned”, to reduce its water content and increase its energy density. If the wood is damp, it won't burn efficiently and will result in a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood generally takes from months to a full year or more, depending on the climate and weather conditions. A fireplace that burns wood requires a significant investment in both money and time to keep it running properly. Aside from buying a large quantity of firewood, homeowners must regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions and that it's working properly, and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular inspections and cleanings will help reduce the risk for fireplace and room fires. The smoke from a wood-burning fireplace has fine particles that could cause lung damage and serious health issues such as heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung disease. It also releases harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke may contribute to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, as well as other pollutants that can influence the earth's climate. Effective EPA certified wood stoves use a second combustion process to reduce harmful emissions during the firing. To maximize performance they require the proper size chimney, as well as the installation of a flue lining. It is also essential to buy firewood that is seasoned and resist the temptation to add accelerants such as lighter fluid, gasoline or butane torch to the fire, as they can add fuel to the fire and cause a risky situation. In addition, homeowners should store their firewood outside of the house to avoid termite infestation. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are a great alternative to other heating methods. They also provide a tranquil ambience. They can be used for primary or additional heating and could qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can create unpleasant odors and toxins, and can negatively affect air quality in the home. The most important thing to remember when using a fireplace made of wood is to make use of dry firewood. Utilizing kiln dried firewood will help to reduce the amount of creosote and buildup. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven or kiln, to remove all of its moisture content. It is a good idea to only use clean, seasoned wood that has been sliced into pieces and then stacked for several months prior to use. Before lighting a fire, clean up the ash from the floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Be sure to wait until the ashes have cool completely before dumping them in the bin made of metal. Using the whisk or a dust pan, broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from dust, soot and dirt that are created. It is important to clear a work area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. You should also wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles. Begin by filling an enormous bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 teaspoons of trisodium (TSP) and one cup of bleach and two tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the solution well, then use a nylon brush scrub the fireplace's walls and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as surrounding areas of your fireplace, wipe it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing and wiping procedure until all visible deposits have been removed from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, wipe off any glass doors with an approved glass cleaner for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces have a look that modern gas or propane fire places can't match. Their rustic look, crackling sound of a burning flame and their cozy feel provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that has stood the test of time. Many people search for this feature when buying a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well ventilated, it is essential to have a system in place to aid in eliminating these harmful substances. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for wood-burning fireplaces as they reduce the amount harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are many ways to design your wood fireplace to create a unique attractive. You can choose to use reclaimed wood to give it a rustic look or opt to paint it to complement the decor of your living room. You can also install a stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, which creates an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which looks stunning and complements the majority of homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace in white, which opens up the space and creates a bright and airy environment. Gray is a different option that works well with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners even 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 If they are not maintained and operated correctly If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious safety risks. They emit fine particle pollution 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 a major contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure it is working properly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires. If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. It is also important to keep all combustible items away from the wood stove, including drapes, curtains and other flammable objects. Cross-ventilation is a fantastic method to move warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't return up the chimney. Regularly sweep out the ashes to prevent them from blocking airflow and accumulating too deeply. Too much ash can restrict the oxygen supply to the logs and decrease the efficiency of combustion, which creates more smoke. The ashes must be kept in a metal bucket or any other non-combustible container. Children should be kept out from the fireplace particularly if it has a glass front. If they touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they may get burned. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. To prevent children from accidentally contacting the fireplace, a “safety area” of three feet should be created around it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in your home is also a great idea especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can be a problem if the wood stove and chimney are not working properly. It is also essential to check the state, local and tribal regulations regarding wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include nuisance/odor rules, “no-burn” days and visible emissions or opacity limits on smoke coming from chimneys of homeowners. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.