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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace Nothing warms a home like the crackle of a fireplace that is wood-burning. If you have one, it's important to maintain it regularly to prevent dangerous creosote build-ups. A damper is an important component of maintaining a healthy combustion. The kind of firewood used may affect the outcome in the way that hardwoods such as oak and ash producing less creosote than softwoods. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are a stunning feature that creates a warm ambiance and provides heat. However, wood fire stove for sale and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The condition and quality of your firebox, chimney system, and installation could have a significant impact on the overall efficiency. Firewood is the main fuel source for wood-burning stoves. It is usually purchased in face cords or full cords (measured as 4'x8”x8”) Firewood must be “seasoned” to reduce the water content and increase its energy density prior to use. If the wood is not sufficiently moist, it will not burn as efficiently and could cause a lot of creosote. Seasoning wood typically takes months to a year or more, based on the weather and climate conditions. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to maintain them correctly. In addition, to purchasing an enormous amount of firewood, owners must regularly check and clean their fireplace. This is to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, that it is operating well, and that there is no combustible material is stored near the unit. Regular cleaning and inspections can reduce the risk of chimney fires and room fires. Smoke from wood-burning stoves is a source of fine particle pollution which can damage the lungs and cause serious health issues like lung disease, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It also releases carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants including volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde. Wood smoke may contribute to the depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could alter the climate of the earth. Efficient EPA certified wood stoves utilize the second combustion method to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a proper size chimney and the installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is essential to use seasoned wood and to avoid adding accelerants to the fire such as lighter liquid, gasoline or butane torch. This can overload the fire, which can lead to a dangerous situation. To stop termite infestations, homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from the home. Cleanliness Wood-burning fire places are an excellent alternative to other heating methods. They also create a relaxing atmosphere. They can be used as primary or supplemental heat and may qualify for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning in order to prevent soot and creosote buildup. A fireplace that is dirty can cause unpleasant odors and toxins, and can affect the quality of air within the home. When burning wood in a fireplace, it is crucial to use only dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote buildup as well as soot. log burning stoves for sale dried wood is treated by heating or kiln to eliminate all moisture. It is best to only burn clean, seasoned wood that has been cut up and stacked for several months prior to use. Before you start a fire clean up the ash from the floor and around the smoke shelf and grate. Make sure you wait until the ashes are cool completely before you dump them into a metal bin. Utilizing an empty pan or a whisk broom as well as sweeping and dumping any other stray debris that has accumulated outside the fireplace. When cleaning a fireplace, be sure to wear gloves and an apron to protect yourself from the dust and soot that will be produced. It is important to clear a work area and cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths to protect against staining. Wear a dust mask so that you don't inhale any soot or ash particles. Begin by filling up a large bucket with one gallon of warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix the mixture well, and then employ a nylon brush to scrub the walls of your fireplace and the surrounding areas. After scrubbing the walls as well as surrounding areas of your fireplace, clean it off with an aqueous, damp cloth. Repeat the scrubbing, washing and wiping until all visible deposits are eliminated from your fireplace. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of your fireplace, scrub down any glass doors with a glass cleaner safe for stoves with wood burning. Aesthetics Fireplaces made of wood are stunning and are not comparable to modern propane or gas fireplaces. Their rustic look, crackling sound of a roaring fire and their warm feel provide a warm and inviting ambience that has stood the test of time. Many people seek this feature when purchasing fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces can be ideal to heat your home However, they also emit harmful gases. These include carbon monoxide and smoke that can harm your lungs. While fireplaces are typically well ventilated, it is essential to have an effective system in place to help get rid of these toxins. Many people prefer zero clearance designs for fireplaces that burn wood, since they lower the amount of harmful gases that are present in their homes. There are many ways to design your wood fireplace to make it more unique and aesthetic. You can use recycled wood to give the fireplace a more rustic appearance or you could opt to paint it to match your living room decor. You can also add an outdoor stone staircase that leads up to the fireplace, which is an interesting and practical feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. A popular choice is black, which looks stunning and matches most homes. Another option is to paint your fireplace white which opens up the room and creates a bright and airy space. Gray is another option that works well with a variety of styles and is a trendy trend. Some homeowners mix grey and beige together, also known as greige, to show 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 they are not maintained and operated correctly If they are not maintained and operated properly, wood burning fireplaces could pose serious dangers to safety. They emit fine particle pollution which can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing lung disease. 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 must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure it's functioning correctly. A clean and well-functioning chimney flue can keep carbon monoxide from leaking into the air and chimney fires. If the flue liner is getting worn out, it should be replaced or repaired right away. Keep flammable items like curtains, drapes 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 air through the house so that it doesn't flow back up the chimney. Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace regularly to keep them from accumulating too deeply and obstructing air flow. Too much ash will reduce the oxygen supply to logs, which can reduce the efficiency of combustion and resulting in more smoke. The ashes can be stored in a container made of metal or in a non-combustible container. Children should be kept away from the fireplace, especially if it has glass front. If wood burning stoves for sale touch hot surfaces both during and after the fire, they can be burned. The various tools employed to maintain fireplaces including shovels, pokers log lifers, brushes, and others are also dangerous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” should be established around the fireplace to prevent children coming in contact with it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm as well as detector in the house is also a great idea especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide is a hazard when the chimney and wood stove aren't operating properly, and is poisonous to breathe. Finally, it is important to verify state, local and tribal regulations on wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules governing nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limitations on visible emissions, or opacity of chimney smoke. These laws are often focused on reducing air pollution and are in place to protect the health of the public.