Log Burner Fire: What's New? No One Is Discussing

Dos and Don'ts When Using a Log Burner Fire

Log burners are the ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy a flame's ambiance. They are also a powerful source of warmth for your home.

However, in order to get the maximum heat from your stove, you need to make sure that the wood is dry prior to using it. Moisture loss as well as higher temperatures than required in the stove, and emissions of unburned fuel can all result in poor performance.

Burning logs

If you own a log burner, using kiln dried Ready To Burn certified logs is essential to your stove's energy efficiency. When used properly the logs will burn at optimal heat levels and reduce the amount of creosote built in your chimney. This will dramatically reduce your energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, if you're using green or unseasoned wood, this can be harmful to the health of your stove and chimney system. Unseasoned wood is more moist of moisture than kiln-dried wood that can cause issues when it is burned. Wet logs can create lots of smoke when burned, which can reduce the effectiveness of your heating system. It also causes creosote to build up in your chimney, which is an extremely fire-risk and can cause chimney fires.

Wet and unseasoned logs will also take longer to burn than dried kiln-fired wood. It is best to only make use of seasoned wood to keep your flue from being damaged and overheating your stove. To test the moisture content of your logs, you can knock two sticks together and listen to the way they sound. The wood that is damp will produce a thudding, dull sound whereas dry logs will create an intense cracking sound. The wood that has been seasoned will also appear darker than freshly cut, damp wood.

Once you have established an ember that is small and has an air flow that is good through your stove, you can start adding larger logs. It is crucial to not add more than one log at a time, as this will smother flames and stop them from catching. It's also recommended to spread the logs out evenly around the fire and keep some of your tinder in between them.

Opening your stove door too often can also affect the burn rate. This could cause your log burner to shut down and reduce the effectiveness of the appliance and increase the amount of smoke being emitted. It is also essential that you ensure the area around your appliance is free of combustible substances and that all furniture is placed far enough away from the appliance in order to comply with the distance-to-combustible requirements for your particular model.

Ventilation

Log stoves, fireplaces, and burners require ventilation to ensure they work effectively. The English Building Regulations require that combustion appliances like log burners are supplied with a sufficient supply. This is because smoke can be able to enter the home when the stove isn't equipped with adequate ventilation, particularly when the fire isn't burning efficiently.

To avoid this, make sure that the chimney or flue isn't blocked. It is also important to ensure that the room surrounding your fireplace or stove has enough ventilation. Otherwise, smoke and soot could escape through the chimney or flue and then back into the home. Ventilation also helps to ensure that the fire is burning efficiently to ensure that you get the most heat from your wood and minimises emissions.

To maximize efficiency, you should always make use of seasoned wood. This means that it has been split, cut and stacked for a set amount of time in order to allow the moisture to dry typically between six to 12 months. The logs should ideally be dried by kilns to make them easier to burn.

Add a few small pieces of wood to the fire at first, so that flames can be established. Once the flames have settled, you can add larger logs. Don't add too many at once however, as this can cause the flames to become smothered and leave unburned fuel behind that creates smoke and creosote.

It is essential to keep the fire burning till all the logs are reduced to soot or embers. You could also reduce the efficiency of the fire if you remove the logs before they are completely burned.

It is also recommended to avoid touching the fire with your fingers, because this releases smoke into the space and could cause the wood to catch on fire. If you open the stove too fast it releases a cloud of smoke into the room and cause the wood to catch fire.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is the key to a successful log burner fire, not just in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of efficiency. A dirty stove will produce less heat, consume more fuel and release unpleasant smells. It could also create an explosion and block the flue, leading to an inefficient exhausting of smoke and fumes.

There are other items that require attention in addition to the regular cleaning of your ash pan. The bottom burn plate and riddling grate, for example, should be cleaned of soot particles. The baffle plate as well as the ash bucket should be checked for wear, and so should the gaskets around the glass and door.

It is crucial to wear protective goggles and gloves prior to beginning any maintenance task. Ash and soot particles can cause painful scratches. It is recommended to create a safe area to work in, free of any dangers. It is also recommended to set an tarpaulin sheet on the floor to catch any debris that falls and make the cleaning process easier.

It is important to empty the ashes into a metal container and leave it open until the ashes are completely cool. They act as insulation and will retain warmth for a number of hours or even days after the fire has been snuffed out. They can also be used to fertilize however only if they're made from untreated, clean wood.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the type of firewood you use. It is best to select seasoned firewood that has been split, stored out of the elements and allowed to dry until the moisture content is between 20 and 25 percent. This will help to stop the build-up of creosote and will also help to keep the chimney clear of soot and tar.

We also have a selection of DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves as an alternative to traditional log fire. These stoves are extremely efficient in energy use and produce less emissions than an open fire. It is estimated that between 25 and 33% of London's fine particle pollution comes from domestic wood burning, so switching to a stove can make a big difference to the environment.

Safety

Log burners are a cozy and efficient way to warm your log home. Log burners are simple devices that comprise a stove-pipe, a stove-door and a firebox. They also include air vents to regulate the fire. However, they do require some care and understanding of how to use them correctly. Here are some dos & don'ts for using a log stove.

Use seasoned and dry wood in your log-burner. It will produce more efficiently and more heat while producing less smoke. Green wood that is not seasoned can cause tar deposits to form in the flue or chimney. This will block the air flow and decrease the efficiency of your heating. It could also pose a fire hazard, causing possible chimney or flue flames. It is recommended that you buy kiln-dried wood that has the "Ready to Burn' label as this is a reliable indicator that it is dry and safe to burn.

You should also avoid using other fuels, like charcoal lighter or paraffin firelighter fluid in your white log burner electric burner. This is due to the fact that they are highly flammable substances that could cause fireballs to explode in the stove and release harmful gases into your space. If you are using a log-burner within a Smoke Control Area it is best to use only smokeless fuels.

Pellet stoves are easier to operate than traditional log burners with the majority of them requiring nothing more than plugging in and then pressing the ignition button. However, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when using your stove and keep in mind that you need to clean the combustion chamber on a regular basis. This isn't a major task but it does take some time and effort. Install a log holder close to your stove to help you remove the ash or debris whenever necessary. You can also purchase an electric stove that has an auto-cleaning combustion chamber to provide cleaner and easier cleaning. However, it is still necessary that you remove the ash tray from time to time. This will reduce the amount of time and effort you spend cleaning your log burner.