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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 avoid the risk of creosote buildup. The airflow can be controlled by a damper and is an essential element in keeping the combustion efficient. Hardwoods like oak and ash are less likely to produce creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning design that creates a cozy ambiance and provides heat. However, they are not energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The kind of wood used as well as the condition and quality of the firebox, chimney system and installation can significantly impact the effectiveness of the unit. The main fuel used in a traditional wood burning stove is firewood, which can be purchased in a face cord or full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before using firewood, it should be “seasoned” to reduce its water content 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 whole year depending on the weather and climate conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to ensure they are maintained correctly. Aside from buying a large amount of firewood, homeowners need to regularly clean and inspect their fireplace to ensure the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is functioning properly and that any combustible material is not stored in close proximity to the fireplace. Regular cleaning and inspections can help reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves has fine particles, which can cause lung damage and lead to serious health issues like lung disease, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It also releases carbon monoxide and other harmful air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. Wood smoke can contribute to the atmospheric depletion ozone as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could alter the climate of the earth. Wood stoves that are EPA-certified efficient use secondary combustion to minimize the production of harmful emissions during firing. To maximize performance the stoves need the proper size chimney as well as installation of a flue lining. It is crucial to use wood that is well-seasoned and to avoid adding accelerants to the flame such as gasoline, lighter liquid or butane torch. This could cause a surge of fire, creating a risky situation. To prevent termite invasion homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from their homes. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces provide a comfortable alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that creates a relaxing ambience. They can be used as primary or additional heating and may qualify you for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to avoid soot and creosote buildup. A dirty fireplace can emit toxins and unpleasant odors that can impact the air quality inside your home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is essential to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried wood is then treated by heating or kiln to remove all moisture. It is recommended to only burn clean well-seasoned (burned) wood that has been sliced and stored for a few months prior to use. Before lighting a fire remove the ash from the floor of the fireplace and the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into the bin made of metal. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom Also, sweep and dispose of any other stray debris that has accumulated around the fireplace. Wear gloves and an apron when cleaning a fireplace in order to protect yourself from the dust, soot and dirt that will be created. You should clear a working area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to guard against staining. You will also want to wear a dust mask in order to prevent inhaling any soot or ash particles. Fill a large bucket with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodiumphosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well and then dip a nylon brush into the solution and scrub the walls and other areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe and wash the cleaning solution off. Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, clean down any glass doors using a glass cleaner safe for wood burning stoves. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic appearance, the crackling sounds of a burning flame and their cozy ambience create an ambience that has stood the test of time. This is a characteristic that a lot of people are looking for when they are looking for a fireplace. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heating but they also release harmful gases into your home. Carbon monoxide, smoke and other gases can harm your lungs. Although fireplaces are generally well-ventilated, it is important to have a system in place to aid in eliminating these toxins. Many prefer a zero clearance design for wood burning fireplaces, as they reduce the amount harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are a variety of ways to make your wood fireplace more appealing and distinctive. You can use recycled wood to give it a more rustic feel or opt to paint it to fit with the decor of your living space. You can also add an outdoor stone staircase that leads to the fireplace, creating an exciting and functional element in your home. You can also change the color of your chimney. modern wood burning stoves is a popular choice as it looks fantastic and works with a lot of homes. Alternatively, you can paint your fireplace in white which opens up the room and creates a light and airy atmosphere. Gray is a third option that works well with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix gray and beige and call it greige to highlight this versatility 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 properly, wood burning fireplaces can be a serious risk to safety. They emit smoke, which contains fine particle pollution that can penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing lung ailments and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke is also a contributor to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. The flue of a wood stove must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean, well-functioning flue will help to stop dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue's is showing signs of wear, it must be replaced or repaired as soon as it becomes apparent. 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 install cross-ventilation, which allows warm air throughout the home so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace regularly to avoid them accumulating too deep and blocking the air flow. Too much ash can restrict the flow of oxygen to the logs and decrease the efficiency of combustion, which causes more smoke. The ashes can be kept in a container made of metal or a similar noncombustible container. Make sure that children are not in the area around the fireplace, particularly in the case of a glass front. There is a risk of burns by touching the hot surfaces after and during the fire. The numerous tools employed to maintain fireplaces like shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes and shovels, can also be dangerous for children to handle. To ensure that children do not accidentally contacting the fireplace it is recommended that an “safety area” of three feet be set up around it. It is also a good idea to install an carbon monoxide detector as well as an alarm in your home, particularly when there is wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and may accumulate if the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly. It is also important to check the state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These regulations may include rules governing nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limits on visible emissions, or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are often designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health.