Why Log Burning Stove Is The Right Choice For You?

How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners produce low carbon, renewable heat source and benefit the environment. They are simple to use and provide excellent heating for rooms.

The highest efficiency of a stove is achieved when it's stocked with well-seasoned wood. This is the seasoned horse chestnut, or hawthorn that has been chopped and stacked for a whole year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves offer a comfortable, warm and economical alternative to gas and oil. They also are beneficial for the environment because they offer a low carbon heat and have the added benefit of enhancing your living space with a beautiful natural flame. Before you buy a wood stove, it is crucial to determine whether you live in a place where there are smoke control laws. This will affect the type of fuels you can use for your stove.

If you live in a smoke control area, you should consult with the local environmental protection office to find out more about the rules. It is also important to ensure that your house is suitable for a stove that burns wood since it will require to have a sturdy chimney and an adequate roof structure. You will also need a large supply of dry logs to fuel your stove. It is essential to select kiln dried firewood with a low moisture content, or well-seasoned wood, as this will have less of an impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has a 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. Well-seasoned and kiln dried wood will burn hotter and produce less smoke emissions.

The first step is to build up a bed of embers with small twigs and pieces of kindling. When the tepee-like arrangement is gaining traction, the larger logs can be added. They should be stacked criss-cross (like a game of tic-tac-toe) to ensure there is enough space for air flow between the logs. After the fire has been established, you can use the automatic combustion control to provide the logs with oxygen.

The logs should be seasoned, and the size should match the stove you are using. This will help in the process of burning. It is also a great idea to select only Woodsure approved logs. The logs are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forest.

The lighting of a fire

It is essential to ensure that you light the fire correctly in a wood burning stove, or any other type of log burner. This will not only enhance the efficiency of your stove, but also reduce smoke and creosote in your chimney and in your home. Begin by opening the damper - typically a lever located near the top of your stove. After the fire has been established it is possible to close the damper to control airflow and heat output.

Take a few small to medium-sized clefts and make sure they are dry. (Ideally, the moisture content should be less than 20 percent). Make use of a handful of newspaper or other combustible material like cardboard to create an tinder layer at the base of your log burner or fireplace. Do not pack the tinder tightly because this could impede the flow of oxygen and cause the fire to burn out. Set a few firelighters crisscrossed on the tinder.

Then, put some finely seasoned kindling on the top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. At this stage you can 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 best to lay these flat on the firebed or grate instead of leaning them against each other as this helps with draught and airflow and allows the flames to reach the logs underneath.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and produces more particles of matter than the upside-down method. This is because the logs at the top of the stack heat up faster, providing more oxygen to the flames below. This also stops the draught from the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling which could cause a slow the ignition time and cause the fire to go out of control. This method also ensures an enthralling, full-throttle fire is achieved from the beginning and you won't have to wait long before enjoying your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox of your log burning stove needs to be maintained regularly. If not taken care of, a buildup could reduce airflow, causing the fireplace to release more smoke than a burning fire. It is therefore important to clean the wood stove regularly. Make sure that the stove is cooling and take out any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. You should also wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. You can also put an old newspaper on the floor in front of your stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are a variety of ways to clean the glass of your wood burner. You can use a piece newspaper to scrub away the soot, or you can also purchase cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. There is even a special product made specifically for cleaning wood stoves that is available at a variety of hardware stores.

It is a good idea to clean your stove during the spring, as this will stop the accumulation of creosote. Creosote can be flammable and cause serious fire hazards, so it is important to keep your stove clean. You can use a flashlight to make a visual inspection of the flue and chimney. If the accumulation of creosote is greater than 1/8" then it's time to clean the flue and chimney.

It is important to ensure that the stove is fully cool before cleaning the firebox. Next, remove any large ash pieces and dispose of them safely. After the ash has been removed then you can clean the stove's interior by using the wire brush. Wire brushes are a great way to clean the grate, irons and remove any soot. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened with water to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned the firebox, you should close the flue, and then shut the door to your wood stove. You should have someone hold your ladder as you climb the ladder to open the flue. This can be a high spot.

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary for a stove that burns wood to function properly and prevent smoke from entering your home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to enter your room, replacing the old, polluted air that could be drawn into the stove. A well-designed ventilation system will prevent your stove from overheating and causing damage. Ventilation is also an obligation of law for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been stored for at least six months and dried. 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 could release toxic gases and leave traces in the flue that could cause an explosion in the chimney. Do not add too many logs because they can block flames, resulting in unburned fuel that can cause smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire, it is recommended that both air vents are open. Keep them open until the flames have been established. Once the flames are fully established you can close one of the vents gradually until both vents are closed approximately a third of the way. If your fireplace is situated in a space that is depressurized, it may be necessary to open a door or window slightly to ensure adequate ventilation. If you're using an electric woodburning stove (Read Webpage) that burns wood it is recommended to use a combination of both smokeless fuel and wood briquettes. This will allow the flames to burn for longer and also allow you to add larger logs once the fire is established.

If you're installing wood-burning stove or relocating it, make sure you contact your Local Authority to find out the requirements for ventilation they will need to be able to. You may need to install a new chimney or alter your existing flue to be in compliance with the regulations. You should also check with your insurance provider to see if they will require that you have the work certified to keep your home insurance.