It's The Myths And Facts Behind Log Burning Stove

How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an energy source that is renewable that is low in carbon and great for the environment. They are simple to use and provide great heating for a room.

The best efficiency of a stove can be achieved by using wood that is well-seasoned. This means seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut that has been chopped and stacked over a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves offer a comfortable, warm and cost-effective alternative to gas and oil. They also are beneficial for the environment as they provide low carbon heating and have the added benefit of enhancing your living space with a stunning 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 affect the kind of fuel you can burn in your stove.

You should contact the local environmental protection office for more information about the rules for those who reside in a smoke-control zone. You should also make sure that your home is suitable for a stove that burns wood since it will require to have a sturdy chimney and a sufficient roof structure. You will also require a large supply of dry logs to fuel the stove. It is important to use kiln dried firewood that has a low moisture content, or well-seasoned modern wood burning stove, since this will have less of an impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood is high in moisture, and it requires a lot of energy to evaporate the water. Wood that is well-seasoned and kiln dried will burn hotter, with less smoke emissions.

The first step is to set up a bed of embers with twigs that are small and pieces of wood. When the tepee-like arrangement has caught on, the larger logs can be added. They should be placed in a criss-cross (like a tic-tac toe board) to ensure that there is enough room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire has been established, you can use the automatic control for combustion to provide the logs oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned, and the size should match your stove. This will aid in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to use only Woodsure approved logs. The logs are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forest.

A fire is lit

It is essential to correctly light a fire in the wood-burning stove or log burner. Not only does this improve the efficiency of the stove, but it also reduces smoke and creosote build-up in your chimney and home. To begin with make sure that the damper is open It is typically a valve or lever located 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.

Take a few small to medium-sized clefts and ensure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should be less than 20%). Utilize a handful of newspaper or other combustible material such as cardboard to add an tinder layer at the bottom of your fireplace or log burner. Do not pack the tinder tightly, as this can restrict the flow of oxygen into the fire and could cause it to die. Put a few firelighters that are crisscrossed on the tinder.

Then, put some fine kindling on the top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. At this point, you can also add Eco firelighters to help the kindling ignite. Then put a few larger logs on top of the kindling. It is better to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, instead of leaning against one another. This allows airflow and draught to get to the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particles of matter than the upside-down method. The logs that are on top of the pile heat up faster and add more oxygen to the flames. This also prevents the draught from the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling down. This could slow the ignition process and cause smoke. This method will also ensure that you get a full-roaring fire right from the start and won't need to wait for too long before you are able to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

It is recommended to clean the firebox of your log-burning stove regularly. If left unattended an accumulation of ash can reduce airflow and cause the fireplace to produce smoke instead of the hot flame. This can be particularly dangerous, so it is essential to clean your wood stove on a regular basis. Make sure that the stove has cooled and remove any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. You can also put a newspaper-covered sheet on the floor in front of your stove to prevent ashes from falling onto your carpet.

When cleaning the glass in your wood stove There are a variety of methods to choose from. You can use a piece of newspaper to rub off the soot, or you can buy oven cleaners or cleaning sprays. You can even buy products specifically designed to clean wood stoves at a majority of hardware shops.

It is a good idea to clean your stove during the spring, as this will help to prevent a buildup of creosote. It is important to clean your stove because creosote may ignite and create serious fire hazards. You can also make use of a flashlight to check the flue and chimney for any indication of creosote. If the creosote buildup exceeds than 1/8" it is recommended to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, first ensure that the stove is completely cool. Next, remove any large pieces of ash and dispose of them properly. After you have removed the ash you can use a wire bristle to clean the inside of your stove. Wire brushes can be used to clean the grate, irons as well as get rid of any soot. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox you should close the flue, and close the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone 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 proper operation of the appliance as well as to prevent smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the space, replacing the old and stale air that would otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating, which can cause damage and decrease its effectiveness. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

To maximize the performance of your fireplace, start with well-seasoned wood that has been dried and stacked for at minimum six months. It will burn more hot and longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood materials such as ply wood, particle boards, and painted timber since they could release toxic gases and leave traces in the flue that can cause an ignition fire in the chimney. Also, do not add too many logs at once because they can partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned which could cause lots of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended to open both air vents when lighting the fire and keep them opened until the flames are fully established. Once the flames have been established, close one of the vents slowly until both vents are closed about a third of the way. 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 that there is enough air circulation. If you have a wood-burning stove, it is best to mix both smokeless and wood briquettes. This will keep the flames burning for longer and give you the ability to add larger logs once the fire has been established.

If you are planning to install a wood burning stove or moving it to a different location be sure to make sure you contact your Local Authority to find out what ventilation requirements it will have to be able to. You may have to build a new chimney or alter your existing flue to comply with the regulations. You should also consult your insurance provider to see whether they require you to have the work certified in order to keep your home insurance.