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Maintaining a Wood Burning Fireplace The sound of a fireplace with wood is a wonderful way to warm your home. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid dangerous creosote buildup. The airflow can be controlled by a damper and is a crucial element of maintaining a high-quality combustion. Hardwoods like oak and ash create less creosote. Energy Efficiency Wood fireplaces are an attractive amenity that creates a cozy ambience and also warmth. However, they are not energy efficient and can create harmful air pollution if not properly maintained. The quality and condition of your chimney system, and installation may significantly affect the overall efficiency. The main fuel used in a traditional wood-burning stove is firewood, which is typically purchased in a face or a full cord (measured at 4'x8'x8'). Before burning firewood, it must be “seasoned” to reduce the amount of water in it and increase its energy density. If the wood is too wet it will not burn effectively and may cause lots of creosote. The process of preparing wood for seasoning can take months or even a full year depending on the weather and the climate. Wood burning fireplaces require a substantial investment of time and money to maintain them correctly. In addition, to purchasing large quantities of firewood, owners should regularly inspect 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 unit. Regular cleanings and inspections will lower the chance of fireplace and room fires. The smoke from a wood-burning fireplace contains fine particles that can cause lung damage and serious health issues including heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. It also releases carbon monoxide as well as other air pollutants that are toxic like volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde. log burning stoves for sale contributes to atmospheric reductions in ozone and greenhouse gases, which can impact the climate of the earth. Effective EPA certified wood stoves use an additional combustion process to minimize harmful emissions during the firing. They also require a properly size chimney and the installation of an air flue liner in order to maximize performance. It is also crucial to buy firewood that is seasoned and avoid the temptation to add accelerants like lighter fluid, gasoline, or butane torch to the fire, as it can cause fire to become too hot and lead to a hazardous situation. To stop termite infestations, homeowners should also store their firewood in a safe location away from their homes. Cleanliness Wood-burning fireplaces are a relaxing alternative to other types of heating and offer ambiance that can create a tranquil ambience. They can be used as primary or supplementary heat sources and could be eligible for tax credits. They can be messy, and require regular cleaning to prevent 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 burning a fireplace made of wood is to use dry firewood. Kiln dried firewood can help reduce creosote accumulation and soot. Kiln dried firewood is processed in a heated oven, or kiln, to remove all moisture content. It is recommended to only burn clean, seasoned (burned) wood that is split and stacked for a few months prior to using. Before lighting a fire, remove ash from the floor of the fireplace as well as the area around the smoke shelf. Make sure you wait until the ashes have cooled completely before throwing them into a metal bin. Make use of a brush or a Broom to sweep away any other stray materials that have accumulated outside the flame. Wear gloves and an apron while cleaning a fireplace to protect yourself from dust, soot and dirt that are created. To safeguard your furniture from stains, clear the area and cover it with drop cloths. You will also want to wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling any ash or soot particles. Fill a large bucket up with warm water. Add 3.8 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 cup of bleach, and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Mix well, then dip a nylon toothbrush into the solution and scrub the walls and surrounding areas of your fireplace. After scrubbing, use clean damp cloth to wipe and clean the cleaning solution. Repeat the scrubbing, rinse and wiping until all visible stains are cleared from your fireplace. When you are satisfied with the cleanness of your fireplace, wipe down any glass doors using a glass cleaner that is safe for stoves that burn wood. Aesthetics Wood fireplaces are stunning and aren't able to be compared with modern gas or propane fireplaces. Their rustic look, the crackling sounds of a roaring fire and their warm feel provide a warm and inviting ambience that has stood the test of time. This is a feature that a lot of people seek when looking for fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces are great for heat however, they also release harmful gases into your home. Smoke, carbon monoxide and other gases can damage your lungs. It is important to have a system that can remove these toxins, even if fireplaces are well ventilated. This is the reason why many prefer using a zero clearance wood burning fireplace design, as it helps reduce the amount of harmful gases in your home. There are many different ways to design your fireplace to make it more unique and attractive. You can paint it to be in line with the style of your living room or use reclaimed wooden to give it an even more rustic appearance. You can also install an edifice of stone that leads up to the fireplace, which is a fun and functional feature in your home. You can also alter the color of your chimney. The most popular option is black, which is beautiful and is a perfect match for 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 third option that can be paired with many different styles and is a modern trend. Some homeowners mix beige and gray together 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 Wood burning fireplaces can create serious safety concerns if they're not properly maintained and operated. They release smoke, which contains fine particle pollution that can get into the lungs, causing lung illnesses and other health issues. They also release harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Wood smoke contributes to climate change by releasing methane and carbon dioxide. A wood stove's flue should be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure it is functioning properly. A clean, well-functioning flue can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and chimney fires. If the flue lining is deteriorating it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Keep flammable materials, such as drapes, curtains and other items that are flammable, away from the wood stove. It is a good idea to set up cross-ventilation which assists in moving warm air throughout the house so that it doesn't rush back up the chimney. Ashes should be cleared of the fireplace frequently to keep them from accumulating too deep and obstructing air flow. click through the up coming web site can restrict the oxygen supply to the logs, and reduce the efficiency of combustion, which causes more smoke. The ashes should be stored in a metal bucket or other noncombustible container. Children should be kept out from the fireplace especially if it has glass front. Children can be burned when they touch hot surfaces after and during an fire. The numerous tools used to maintain fireplaces, including shovels, pokers, log lifers and brushes can be hazardous for children to handle. A three-foot “safety zone” is recommended around the fireplace to stop children coming in contact with it. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm and detector in the house is also a great idea, especially if you have wood stove. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and can accumulate when the wood stove and chimney are not working correctly. It is also important to be aware of the state, local and tribal regulations for wood-burning fireplaces. These rules could include rules regarding nuisances and odors, “no-burn days” and limitations on visible emissions or the opacity of smoke coming from chimneys. These laws are typically designed to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.