Log Burner Fireplace: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

The Benefits of a Log Burner

A log burner is a highly efficient wood-burning appliance that makes use of dried and seasoned kiln-dried lumber. They emit less carbon dioxide and provide more heat to your home.

To get the best out of your fire, it requires oxygen. Keep the door open and try not to add more than one log at all at once. This will suffocate and prevent them from burning.

Size

Despite their vintage appearance Log burners are modern devices that work at high levels of efficiency. This translates into a much higher percentage of heat generated from the fuel you feed it. This, in conjunction with their low carbon emissions makes them a great option for homeowners who are concerned about the environment.

There are a myriad of stoves available for sale ranging from wallet-friendly, basic models to all-singing dancing powerhouses. There are a few basic things that consumers should keep in mind when choosing the best log stove for their home.

A fireplace for a log burner should be the correct size for the space in which it will be installed. This is not only because of safety regulations but also because the log burner will need to match the overall décor of the room.

The easiest way to determine the size Second Hand Log Burners For Sale burner you need is to measure the firebox - this includes the front width, height and depth of the firebox. These measurements will help you choose the correct size log burner for your fireplace. It will perform better and provide the best results.

Next, you will need to know the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) your room requires. This can be determined by multiplying the floor area by 20. Once you have figured out how many BTUs you are legally allowed to have in your home, you can shop for gas logs that meet or exceed that number.

The size of your log burner will be determined by the degree and quality of insulation present in the home. Generally speaking, poorly insulated rooms require more temperature output to stay warm than rooms that are well-insulated.

The type of wood you use for your log burner is an additional important aspect to consider. Freshly chopped green wood can contain as much as 67% moisture content. The logs generate heat only after the water has evaporated. The burning of kiln dried logs can give you a better energy output and will reduce the energy cost.

Design

A fireplace that is a log is a wonderful focal point in any room. It can be framed by an attractive marble or stone surround, or a simple granite hearth. Modern log burners can also be minimalistic, with clean lines. They can easily be integrated into modern living spaces without looking out of place.

A modern stove with wide design is great when paired with a traditional feature such as exposed bricks or wooden beams. The sleek lines of a modern fire are also a good option for older homes with Georgian features, such as exposed brick chimney breasts. Alternatively, a modern inset woodburner could complement a newer home with a more rustic or traditional style.

For a more eye-catching style, you should consider choosing an eye-catching color for your log stove. Yellow, for instance, is a stunning choice that will stand out against a dark tone and create a warm atmosphere. You should pick a hue that you'll be happy with all year round and that complements the rest of your decor.

They can also be used to heat outdoor areas, such as a patio or garden. They can be utilized to heat a patio seating area or to create a cozy atmosphere on colder days. No matter if you're using an outdoor or indoor wood burner, it's important to make sure that the fireplace as well as surrounding areas are protected from smoke and embers. This can be done by installing the proper chimney or grate guard.

Another advantage of choosing a wood burning stove is that it's a greener alternative to gas and electricity. When properly seasoned, wood emits less carbon dioxide than gas, electricity, or coal. This is especially the case if your DEFRA-approved log burner is properly installed. The ideal situation is that wood is split up and stored in a space that is dry prior to being burned in the log burner. This allows it to burn evenly and produce less creosote.

Safety

Log burners are typically associated with warm winter evenings however, they are suitable for cooler weather too. To avoid any problems it is important to ensure that your log wood burner heater is maintained and complies with the most current safety standards. For example, you should always keep furniture and curtains away from the flame because embers could fly out of the fireplace and create a fire. It is also important to test and use your smoke alarm regularly.

The safety of your log stove is also affected by the type of fuel you use. You should only use wood that is seasoned. This means it's either been dried for up to one year, or kiln-dried which is more efficient. It is essential to buy your wood from a reputable supplier (HETAS certified) and to keep it in a place that is well-ventilated so it doesn't get damp.

You should also only use dry kindling and tinder to start a fire, rather than cardboard or paper. These materials could release toxic fumes, and they could increase the chance of a fire occurring in a chimney. Also, you should not leave burning synthetic logs in the open or break them up to enhance the flames. This can increase the fires flammability, and release high levels of carbon monoxide.

In the final instance, you should determine whether your home is located in a Smoke Control Area. If it is, you will only be permitted to burn fuel that is approved by DEFRA in your log burner fireplace ideas burner. This includes smokeless fuels, such as anthracite.

Some log burners can use both coke and wood however, you should never burn coal in anything other than a stove specifically designed for that purpose. It's important to have the correct hearth for your fireplace, because HETAS regulations require that any solid material (such concrete) beneath it is at least 125mm thick.

You should not use a gas stove or an oil stove to burn wet or green wood. This can produce excessive smoke, which can cause chimney fires. Instead, you should make use of seasoned wood or a multi-fuel stove that can be used with both fuels.

Maintenance

It's a great method to bring the warmth of a real fireplace to your home. However, these fireplaces need more care than pellet stoves. First of all, you need to perform regular maintenance to ensure that your stove is safe for use and operates efficiently.

It is important to make sure that your fireplace is properly controlled so that you can enjoy your fire without concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation. You'll have to clean the inside of your fireplace, examine and adjust the damper, change the chimney cap (if required) and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within your home.

It's also important to regularly inspect your fireplace and chimney for cracks, or other signs of degradation. This will allow you spot problems early and correct them before they become serious - potentially resulting in costly damage or dangerous conditions for your family.

When it comes to maintaining your wood burning stove, it's important to use well-seasoned firewood. The logs that are seasoned are much lighter to light and produce less creosote than seasoned logs. You can test the moisture content of your firewood by striking two logs together: damp wood will produce an uninteresting sound, whereas seasoned wood will make sharp sounds.

Cleaning the glass of your fireplace is another essential step to take in maintaining your fireplace. Make use of a fireplace glass cleaning product that doesn't contain chemicals that can react with the flames. Also, make sure that the damper functions properly and that the chimney's structure is sturdy. Look for broken bricks, crumbling or missing mortar, or loose or loose lining.

The ashes should be removed from the log burner after it has cooled down enough to touch. At least 12 hours until the ashes cool completely. The ashes can then be stored in a safe manner or placed in garden compost to be used as fertilizer. The baffle - the steel piece that is located at the back of your firebox - should be inspected and cleaned regularly, too.