How Log Burning Stove Rose To Become The #1 Trend In Social Media

How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an eco-friendly source of heat that is low in carbon and great for the environment. They are simple to use and offer great heat for rooms.

The stove's maximum efficiency is achieved when it's stocked with well-seasoned wood. This can be accomplished by using seasoned hawthorn, or horse chestnut, cut and stacked over a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are an inviting, warm and affordable alternative to gas and oil. They are also good for the environment since they provide low carbon heating and also have the added benefit of enhancing your living space with a stunning natural flame. Before buying a wood stove, it's crucial to determine whether you reside in a place where there are smoke control laws. This will impact the type of fuel you can put into your stove.

If you are in a smoke control area, you should consult with the local environmental protection office to find out more about the regulations. Also, you should ensure that your home is able to accommodate a stove that burns logs. It will need a sturdy chimney and a roof structure. In addition to this, you will need to have a plentiful supply of dry logs for your stove. It is best to choose wood that has been kiln dried and has low moisture levels or well-seasoned wood since it will have less negative impact on the environment. Green wood has high moisture content and, as such, the majority of energy is required to evaporate the water before it is able to generate any heat. A well-seasoned, kiln dried and well-seasoned wood will burn hotter, with less smoke emissions.

The first step is building an ember bed with small twigs, or pieces of tinder. When the tepee-like arrangement is gaining traction, the larger logs can be added. They should be laid out in a crisscross (like a tic-tac toe board) so that there is plenty of space for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire has been established it is possible to use the automatic control for combustion to supply the logs with oxygen.

The logs should be seasoned, and the size should match the stove you are using. This will aid in the process of burning. It is recommended to only use Woodsure approved logs that are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is important 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 however, it also helps reduce creosote and smoke build-up within your chimney and in your home. To begin with make sure that the damper is not closed It is typically an open valve or lever at the top of the stove. Once the fire is established it is possible to close the damper to control airflow and heat output.

Take a few small to medium-sized clefts and ensure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should be less than 20%). Use a handful or newspaper or any other combustible material like cardboard to create a layer of tinder at the base of your log burner or fireplace. Don't pack the tinder in a tight manner as this can restrict the flow of oxygen and cause the fire to burn out. Place a few flames on the top of the tinder, in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, put some finely seasoned kindling on the top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. At this stage, 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 better to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, rather than leaning against each other. This allows airflow and draught to reach the logs below.

The upside-down method of lighting fires is more efficient and produces less particulate emissions than the traditional method of lighting the fire. The logs on top of the pile are heated faster and add more oxygen to the flames. This also stops the draught of the wood at the bottom of the stack from cooling down. This could delay the ignition process and cause smoke. This method also ensures that you will have a full-throttle fire right from the start and you won't have to wait too long before enjoying your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox in your log burning stove has to be maintained regularly. When left unattended, a buildup of ash can impede airflow and cause the fireplace to produce smoke rather than an intense flame. It is therefore important to clean your wood stove regularly. When it's time to do so you must ensure that your stove is completely cool and clear any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash is extremely hot. It is also recommended that you place a sheet of newspaper on the ground in front of the stove to prevent the ashes from settling on your carpet.

When it comes to cleaning the glass inside your wood burner there are a myriad of methods to choose from. A lot of people use a sheet of newspaper and rub the soot away, but you can also purchase cleaning sprays, or even oven cleaner. There is even a special product specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves. It can be found at many hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove during spring will help prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is flammable and can cause serious fire hazards, which is why it is important to keep your stove clean. You can use a flashlight for an inspection of the flue and chimney. If the amount of creosote buildup is more than 1/8" then it's time to clean the chimney and flue.

It is important to ensure that the stove is fully cooled before cleaning the firebox. Then, you should remove any large ash particles and dispose of them in a safe way. After you have removed the ash, you can make use of a wire bristle to clean the inside of your stove. Wire brushes are a great way to clean the grate, irons, to get rid of any soot. You can also make use of a cloth slightly dampened with water to scrub the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox you should close the flue and close the door of your wood stove. It is a good idea to have someone else hold the ladder as you climb up and open the flue, since it is high up.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a wood burning stove is crucial to ensure the efficiency of the appliance and also to stop smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the space and replace the old, stale air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating, which could damage it and lower its efficiency. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

To make the most of your log stove begin with well-seasoned wood that has been dried and stacked for at least six months. It will burn more hot and longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding substances made of man-made wood, such as Ply, particle boards and painted wood because they could release toxic gasses and leave behind residues which can ignite in the chimney. Don't add more than one log at once, as they will partially smother the flames and leave unburned fuel that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended to open both air vents when lighting the fire and keep them opened until the flames have been established. When the fire is lit and the flames are fully lit, slowly close the air vents until they are each closed by about one-third. If your fireplace is located in an area with a low pressure it might be necessary for you to open a door or window slightly to ensure there is adequate ventilation. When using a wood-burning stove log burner is best to combine wood with briquettes of fuel that are smokeless. This will help keep the flames going for a longer period of time, and also allow you to add more logs to your fire once it is established.

If you are planning to install wood-burning stove or relocating it, check with your Local Authority to find out what requirements for ventilation it must meet. It could be necessary to install an entirely new chimney or modify the existing one to ensure it is in line with the regulations. It is also advisable to check with your insurance provider to see if they will require you to get the work certified in order to keep your home insurance.