10 Log Burning Stove That Are Unexpected

How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are low carbon, renewable heat source and benefit the environment. They are easy-to-use and provide great heat for rooms.

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

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a comfortable, warm and economical alternative to gas and oil. They are also green since they emit low levels of carbon dioxide and provide the natural warmth needed to improve your living space. But, before purchasing a wood stove, it is important to check whether you reside in a smoke-free area as this will affect the kind of fuel you can use in your stove.

You should contact the local environmental protection office to find out more about the regulations if you reside in a smoke-control zone. Also, you should ensure that your home is suitable to house a log-burning stove. It will require an enduring chimney and a roof structure. Additionally it is essential to have plenty of dry logs for the stove. It is recommended to use dry, kiln-dried firewood that has a low moisture level or well-seasoned wood as it will have less negative impact on the environment. Green wood has high moisture content and, as such, a large amount of energy is required to evaporate the water before it can generate any heat. Well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood will burn hotter and emit less smoke.

The first step is building a bed of embers using small twigs or pieces of wood. After the tepee arrangement has been established, larger logs can then be added. They should be placed in a criss-cross (like a tic-tac-toe board) to ensure that there is plenty of room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire is established it is possible to shut off the primary air intake on the stove and utilize the 'automatic combustion control' to supply the logs with a constant flow of oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned and the size should be in line with the stove you are using. This will assist in the burning process. It is recommended to use only Woodsure approved logs, which are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forests.

Lighting a fire

It is crucial to light a fire properly in a wood-burning stove or other log burner. This will not only enhance the efficiency of your stove, but will also reduce the amount of smoke and creosote in your chimney and in your home. Start by opening the damper - typically a lever at the top of your stove. Once the fire has been established then you can close the damper to control the flow of air and heat output.

Find a few small- to medium-sized clefts, and make sure they are dry. (Ideally the moisture content should not exceed 20 percent). Add a layer of tinder on the bottom of your log burner or fireplace using a handful of pieces of newspaper or other combustible material such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder tightly because this could impede the flow of oxygen and cause the fire to go out. Put a few firelighters that are crisscrossed on the tinder.

Then, place some finely seasoned kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. At this stage you may also add Eco firelighters to help the kindling ignite. Then put a few larger logs on top of the kindling. It is recommended to lay these flat on the firebed or grate instead of leaning them against each other because this aids in airflow and draught, and allows the flames to reach the logs beneath.

The upside down fire-lighting method is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional method of lighting the fire. This is because the woods at the top of the stack heat up faster, supplying more oxygen to the flames below. It also prevents the draughts from the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling down which could cause a slow the ignition and cause the fire to smoke. This technique also ensures a full, roaring fire is achieved from the beginning and you won't be waiting for long to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox of your stove that burns wood needs to be maintained regularly. If it is not cleaned the accumulation of ash could impede airflow and cause the fireplace to release smoke instead of an intense flame. It is therefore essential to clean the wood stove regularly. When it is time to do so, you should make sure your stove is completely cool and take out any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. It is also recommended that you place a sheet of newspaper on the ground in front of your stove to stop the ashes from settling on your carpet.

There are several ways to clean the glass on your wood burner. Many people just use a sheet of newspaper and rub away the soot but you can also buy cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. There is even a special product specifically designed to clean wood stoves that is available at a variety of hardware stores.

It is a good idea to clean your electric stove fires during the spring season, since this will stop the buildup of creosote. Creosote can be flammable and cause serious fire hazards, which is why it is important to keep your stove clean. You can use a flashlight to conduct an inspection of the flue and chimney. If the amount of creosote buildup is greater than 1/8", it's time to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, you should first make sure the stove is cool. Then, you should remove all large ash particles and eliminate them in a secure manner. Once the ash has been removed then you can clean the inside of the stove by using a wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to scrub the grate, andirons to get rid of any soot. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened by water to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned the firebox, you should close the flue and seal the door to your wood stove. You should ask someone to hold your ladder while you climb up to open the flue. This can be a high place.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a wood burning stove is essential for the operation of the appliance as well as to stop smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the room replacing the old aged air that would otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will keep your stove from overheating and causing damage. All stoves must have ventilation.

To get the most out of your fireplace, start with seasoned wood that has been stacked and dried for at least six months. It will burn hotter and longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood materials such as ply wood, particle boards, and painted timber because they can release toxic gases and leave residues in the flue that could ignite an explosion in the chimney. Also, avoid adding too many logs at once, because they can partially smother the flames and cause unburned fuel to remain that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents while lighting the fire, and keep them open until the flames have been established. When the fire is lit and the flames are fully lit, slowly close the vents until they're completely closed, about one third. If your fireplace is situated in an area that is not affixed to pressure, it is possible to open a door or window to let in sufficient air. If you are using a wood burning stove it is recommended to make use of a mixture of both wood and smokeless fuel briquettes. This will keep the flames burning for longer and give you the ability to add more logs after the fire is established.

Find out from your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if you are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. You may need to install a new chimney or alter the existing one to ensure it is in line with the regulations. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to determine whether they require you to have the work certified in order to keep your home insurance.