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How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are low carbon, renewable heat source and help the environment. They are simple to use and provide great heating for a room.

The stove's maximum efficiency is when it's stocked with well-seasoned wood. This is mature horse chestnut or hawthorn, which has been cut and stacked for a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a fantastic choice for many homes and provide warmth, comfort and an economical alternative to gas and oil. They are also good for the environment because they offer a low carbon heat and have the added benefit of enhancing your living space with a beautiful natural fire. Before you buy a wood stove, it's essential to know whether you live in an area where there are smoke control laws. This will impact the type of fuel you can use for your stove.

If you do live in a smoke-free zone it is recommended to contact the local environmental protection office to learn more about the regulations. You should also ensure that your home is suitable for a stove made of wood since it will require to have a strong chimney and an adequate roof structure. You will also require a large supply of dry logs to multi fuel stove the stove. It is essential to select firewood that has been kiln dried with low moisture content or well-seasoned wood, since it will have less impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has high moisture content and, as such, a large amount 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 and produce fewer smoke emissions.

The first step is building an ember-filled bed by using small twigs or pieces of tinder. When the tepee-like arrangement has caught on, the larger logs can be added. They should be stacked in a criss cross (like a tic-tac-toe board) so that there is plenty of space for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire is established it is possible to use the automatic control for combustion to provide the logs oxygen.

The logs need to be seasoned, and the size should be in line with your stove. This will assist in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to use only Woodsure approved logs. The logs are kiln dried and are sourced from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is crucial to properly light a fire in a wood-burning stove or any other type of log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces smoke and creosote build-up in your chimney and at home. First, make sure the damper is opened This is usually a valve or lever located near the top of the stove. After the fire has been established it is possible to close the damper to regulate the flow of air and the output of heat.

Find a few small- to medium-sized clefts, and make sure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should be less than 20 percent). Put the tinder layer to the bottom of your log burner or fireplace using a few pieces of newspaper or other non-combustible materials like cardboard. Do not pack the tinder in a tight manner as this can restrict oxygen flow and cause the fire to go out. Place a few flames on the top of the tinder in a crisscross arrangement.

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

The upside down fire-lighting method is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional way of lighting the fire. The logs that are on top of the pile are heated faster and provide more oxygen to the flames. It also stops the draughts from the lower logs of the stack from cooling, which would otherwise slow the ignition time and cause the fire to smoke. This technique also ensures a full, roaring fire is achieved from the beginning, and you will not have to wait long before enjoying your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox inside your log burning stove has to be cleaned regularly. If left unattended a accumulation of dust can impede airflow, which can cause the fireplace to emit more smoke than a fire that is hot. This is especially dangerous, which is why it's vital to keep your wood stove clean. When it is time to clean you must ensure that your stove is completely cool and take out any large pieces of ash before you start cleaning. It is also recommended to wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. It is also recommended to place a newspaper-covered sheet on the ground in front of the stove to prevent the ashes from falling on your carpet.

When it comes to cleaning the glass inside your wood burner, there are a number of methods to choose from. A lot of people apply a sheet of newspaper and rub away the soot, but you can also buy cleaning sprays, or even oven cleaner. You can even buy an item specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves in most hardware shops.

It is a good idea to clean your stove in the spring months, as this will help to prevent a buildup of creosote. Creosote can be flammable and cause serious fire hazards, therefore it is important to keep your stove clean. You can also use a flashlight to inspect the chimney and flue for any indication of creosote. If the creosote accumulation is greater than 1/8" is the time to clean the flue and chimney.

You should make sure that the stove is completely cooled before cleaning the firebox. Then, take out 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 interior of your stove. Wire brushes can be used to scrub 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 the firebox, you must close the flue, and close the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone hold your ladder as you climb up the ladder to open the flue. This could be a difficult task.

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary for a stove with a log burner to function properly and prevent smoke from entering the home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to enter your room, replacing the old, polluted air that would be drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating, which can cause damage and lower its effectiveness. All stoves must have ventilation.

To get the most out of your log burner Start with seasoned wood that has been dried and stacked for at least six months. It will burn longer and hotter than fresh wood. Avoid adding substances made of man-made wood, such as ply, particle boards, and painted wood since they can release toxic gasses and leave traces that could cause a fire in the chimney. Don't add more than one log at once because they can partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended to open both air vents when lighting the fire and keep them open until the flames have been established. Once the flames are fully established, close one of the air vents gradually until both vents are closed about a third of way. If your fireplace is in an area that is not able to be regulated, it may be necessary to open a window or door slightly to ensure there is adequate ventilation. If you have a wood-burning stove it is recommended to make use of a mixture of both smokeless fuel and wood briquettes. This will keep the flames burning for longer and also allow you to add more logs after the fire has been established.

Check with your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if you are installing or moving a wood-burning stove. It could be necessary to install an entirely new chimney or modify your existing flue to be in compliance with the regulations. You should also check with your insurance company to determine if they will require you to have the work approved to maintain your home insurance.