What Is The Reason Log Burning Stove Is The Right Choice For You?

How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners provide a low carbon, renewable heat and improve the environment. They are simple to use and offer great heat for rooms.

A stove's optimum efficiency is achieved when it is filled with well-seasoned wood. This is mature horse chestnut or hawthorn that is chopped and stored for a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are an excellent option for homes of all kinds and offer warm, comfortable and economical alternative to gas and oil. They also are beneficial for the environment because they offer a low carbon heat and also have the added benefit of enriching your living space with an attractive natural fire. However, before you buy a wood stove, it is important to check whether you reside in a smoke-free zone as this can have an impact on the kind of fuel you can burn in your stove.

You should contact your local environmental protection agency for more information on the regulations if you reside in a smoking-control area. It is also important to make sure that your home is suitable for a log burning stove because it must have a sturdy chimney and a sufficient roof structure. Additionally you must have a plentiful supply of dry logs to use for the stove. It is essential to select firewood that has been kiln dried that has low moisture content or well-seasoned wood, as it will have less of an impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has high moisture content which means an enormous amount of energy is used to evaporate the water before it is able to generate any heat. Wood that is well-seasoned and kiln dried will burn more hot, and with fewer smoke emissions.

The first step is building an ember bed using small wood burning stove - supplemental resources - twigs or pieces of tinder. After the tepee arrangement is established, larger logs can then be added. They should be laid out in a crisscross (like a tic-tac toe board) so that there is enough room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire is established, you can close the main air intake on the stove and utilize the "automatic combustion control" to feed the logs with a constant flow of oxygen.

The logs need to be seasoned and sized to fit your stove, which will assist with the burning process. It is also a good idea to use only Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and come from sustainable forests.

A fire is lit

It is essential to ensure that you light the fire correctly in a wood stove, or any other log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove, but it also reduces creosote and smoke build-up within your chimney and in your home. To begin with ensure that the damper is open It is typically a lever or valve at the top of the stove. Once the fire is set then you can close the valve to control the flow of air and heat output.

To get started start, gather a few small to medium-sized Cleft logs and ensure they are dry (ideally with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent). Make use of a handful of newspaper or other combustible material such as cardboard to add an tinder layer at the bottom of your log burner or fireplace. Do not put the tinder in a tight space because this could impede oxygen flow and cause the fire to burn out. Place a few flames on the top of the tinder, in a criss-cross pattern.

Next, put some pieces of fine kindling over the newspaper tinder, leaving enough space for air to circulate. At this point, you can also add Eco firelighters to help the fire start. Then, place a few larger pieces of wood on top of the kindling. It is recommended to lay them flat on the firebed or grate rather than leaning them against each other to help with airflow and draught and allows the fire to reach the logs beneath.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and generates more particulate matter than the upside-down method. The logs that are on top of the pile are heated faster and add more oxygen to the flames. It also stops the draughts from the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling down which could slow the ignition and cause the fire to smoke. This method will also ensure that you get a full-roaring fire from the beginning and you won't have to wait for too long before you are able to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox of your stove that burns wood needs to be maintained regularly. If not taken care of, a buildup could reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to release more smoke than a hot fire. Therefore, it is essential to clean your cheap wood burning stoves stove on a regular basis. When it's time to clean you must ensure that your stove is completely cool and clear any large pieces of ash prior to when you start cleaning. Also, you should wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. It is also recommended that you place a newspaper-covered sheet on the ground in front of the stove to stop the ashes from settling on your carpet.

When cleaning the glass inside your wood burner There are a variety of different methods available. Many people just use a sheet of newspaper and rub the soot away however, you can also buy cleaning sprays, or even oven cleaner. You can even purchase products specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves in most hardware shops.

Cleaning your stove in the spring can help to stop the buildup of creosote. It is important to clean your stove as creosote is flammable and can pose serious fire dangers. You can use a flashlight for an inspection of the chimney and flue. If the creosote buildup exceeds than 1/8" it is recommended to clean the chimney and flue.

It is important to ensure that the stove is completely cool before cleaning the firebox. Then, take out any large pieces of ash and dispose of them safely. After you have removed the ash you can employ a wire bristle clean the interior of your stove. It is also recommended to scrub the grate and the andirons with a wire brush to remove any buildup of soot. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened with water to scrub the glass and the firebox.

After you've cleaned the firebox, close the flue, and then shut the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone hold the ladder while you climb up and open the flue as this can be quite high.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for a stove with a log burner to function properly and prevent smoke from entering the home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the room and replace the old aged air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A properly designed ventilation system will prevent your stove from overheating and damaging the stove. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been placed in a stack for at least a month and dried. It will burn more hot and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding materials made from man-made wood burning stove fan, such as ply, particle boards, and painted wood because they could release toxic gasses and leave residues which can ignite in the chimney. Don't add too many logs at once because they can partially smother the flames and leave unburned fuel which can create lots of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire, it is recommended that both air vents are open. Keep them open until the flames are established. When the flames are established then close one of the vents gradually until both vents are shut approximately a third of the way. If your fireplace is located in a depressurised area it might be necessary for you to open a window or door slightly to ensure that there is adequate ventilation. If you have a wood burning stove it is recommended to use a combination of both smokeless fuel and wood briquettes. This will help to keep the flames going for a longer time and also allow you to add larger logs to the fire once it has been established.

If you are installing a wood burning stove or relocating it be sure to check with your Local Authority to find out what requirements for ventilation it will have to comply with. It could be necessary to install a new chimney or modify your existing flue to comply with the regulations. You should also check with your insurance company to determine if they will require you to get the work certified to maintain your home insurance.