Log Burning Stove Tips From The Top In The Business

How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

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

The stove's maximum efficiency is achieved when it is filled with well-seasoned wood. This means seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut, chopped and stacked over a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are an excellent option for homes of all kinds and provide a warm, comfortable and cost-effective alternative to gas or oil. They are also green because they emit very little of carbon dioxide and create an natural fire that can enhance your living space. Before you buy a wood stove, it is essential to know if you live in a place that has smoke control laws. This will impact the type of fuel you can use in your stove.

It is recommended to contact the local environmental protection office to find out more about the rules for those who live in a smoke-control area. You should also ensure that your house is suitable for a stove that burns wood since it will require to have a sturdy chimney and a suitable roof structure. You will also need plenty of dry logs to fuel your stove. It is recommended to use wood that has been kiln dried and has a low moisture level or well-seasoned wood since it has a lower negative impact on the environment. Green wood is high in moisture, and it takes a lot of energy to evaporate the water. Well-seasoned and kiln dried wood burning stove small will burn hotter, with fewer smoke emissions.

The first step is to build up a bed of embers with twigs that are small and pieces of wood. After the tepee arrangement is set the larger logs can 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 has been established it is possible to shut off the primary air intake on the stove and utilize the "automatic combustion control" to feed the logs with a constant stream of oxygen.

The logs should be seasoned and the size should match your stove. This will aid in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to only use Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and sourced from sustainable forests.

Lighting a fire

It is essential to light a fire properly in a wood burning stove or any other log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove however, it also helps reduce creosote and smoke build-up in your chimney and home. Start by opening the damper - usually a lever near the top of your stove. Once the fire is set, you can close this to control the flow of air and the output of heat.

To begin start, gather a few small to medium-sized cut logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent). Place the tinder layer to the base of your fireplace or log burner, by using a few pieces of newspaper or any other combustible material such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder tightly, as this can restrict the flow of oxygen to the fire and could cause it to die. Put a few firelighters on the top of the tinder, in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, place a few pieces of fine kindling over the newspaper tinder, leaving enough space for air to circulate. You could also add a few Eco firelighters in this stage to aid the pieces of kindling to ignite and burn more quickly. Then, place some larger pieces of wood on top of the kindling. It is better to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, instead of leaning against one another. This allows airflow and draught to get to the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particles of matter than the upside-down method. The logs at the top of the pile get hotter faster and supply more oxygen to the flames. This also prevents the draught of the logs at bottom of the stack cooling down. This could delay the ignition and create smoke. This method also ensures the fire is full and roaring is created from the start and you won't be waiting for long before you can enjoy your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

You should clean the fireplace of your log-burning stove regularly. If left unattended, a buildup can reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to produce more smoke than a fire that is hot. This is especially dangerous, which is why it's vital to clean your wood stove regularly. It is important to ensure that the stove has cool and then remove any large ash pieces before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. It is also recommended to place a sheet of newspaper on the ground in front of the stove to stop the ashes from falling on your carpet.

There are several ways to clean the glass of your wood burner. You can use a piece newspaper to rub off the soot, or you can also purchase cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. There's even a product designed specifically to clean wood stoves that is available at a variety of hardware stores.

It is recommended to clean your stove during the spring season, since this will prevent a buildup of creosote. Creosote can be flammable and cause serious fire hazards, so it is essential to keep your stove clean. You can use a flashlight for an inspection of the chimney and flue. If the amount of creosote buildup is more than 1/8", it's time to clean the flue and chimney.

To clean the firebox, you should first ensure that the stove is completely cool. Next, remove any large ash pieces and dispose of them safely. Once the ash has been removed then you can clean the stove's interior with the wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to scrub the grate, irons as well as remove any soot. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox, you must close the flue, and close the door of your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone hold the ladder while you climb up to open the flue. This can be a difficult task.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for a stove with a log burner to function properly and keep smoke from entering the home. Ventilation allows for fresh air to enter the room replacing the old aged air that would otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating which can cause damage and reduce its efficiency. 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 longer and hotter than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood materials such as ply wood, particle boards, and painted timber as these could release toxic gasses and leave residues in the flue, which can cause a chimney fire. Also, do not add too many logs at once, as they will partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned which could cause lots of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire It is recommended that both air vents be open. Keep them open until the flames are established. When the fire is lit, slowly close the vent levers until they are both closed about one third. If your fireplace is located in an area that is not able to be regulated it could be necessary for you to open a window or door slightly to ensure there is enough air circulation. If you have a wood burning stove, it is best to make use of a mixture of both smokeless fuel and wood briquettes. This will keep the flames burning for longer and allow you the option to add more logs once the fire has been established.

If you are planning to install a wood burning stove or moving it to a different location make sure you consult your Local Authority to find out what ventilation requirements it will have to be able to. To meet the requirements, you may need to install a chimney or modify your existing flue. You should also check with your insurance company to determine if they will require you to get the work certified to keep your home insurance.