How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are a renewable source of heat that is low in carbon and good for the environment. They are simple to use and provide excellent heating for rooms.

A stove's optimum efficiency is achieved when it's stocked with well-seasoned wood. This is mature horse chestnut or hawthorn, that has been cut and stacked for a whole year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a fantastic option for homes of all kinds and provide warm, comfortable and affordable alternative to gas and oil. They also benefit the environment because they offer a low carbon heat and also have the added benefit of enhancing your living space by creating an attractive natural fire. Before buying a wood stove, it's essential to know whether you reside in a region where there are smoke control laws. This will affect the type of fuels you can use for your stove.

You should contact your local environmental protection office for more information on the rules if you reside in a smoking-control area. You should also make sure that your home is suitable for a log burning stove as it will need to have a strong chimney and an adequate roof structure. In addition it is essential to have plenty of dry logs for your stove. It is important to use kiln dried firewood with low moisture content or well-seasoned wood, since this will have less of an impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has a high moisture content which means the majority of energy is used 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 to build up a bed of embers with small twigs and pieces of tinder. Once the tepee arrangement has been established the larger logs can be added. They should be laid out in a crisscross (like a tic-tac-toe board) so that there is plenty of room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire is established you can shut the primary air intake on the stove and utilize the 'automatic combustion control' to supply the logs with a continuous stream of oxygen.

The logs must be dried and sized to fit the stove, which can help with the burning process. It is recommended to use only Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and come from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is important to ensure that you light the fire correctly in a wood burning stove or any other log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of your stove, but will also reduce the amount of smoke and creosote that enters your chimney and in your home. Begin by opening the damper, usually a lever near the top of your stove. After the fire has been established, you can close this to control airflow and heat output.

Take a few small to medium-sized clefts and ensure they are dry. (Ideally, the moisture content should not exceed 20%). Put an ember layer on the base of your log burner or fireplace by using a few pieces of newspaper or any other combustible material such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder tightly as this could hinder the flow of oxygen and cause the fire to die. Place a few flames on the top of the tinder in a criss-cross arrangement.

Then, add some fine kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. At this stage, you may also add Eco firelighters to help ignite the kindling. Then, you can place a few bigger logs on the top of the kindling. It is best to lay these flat on the grate or firebed instead of leaning them against one another because this aids in draught and airflow and allows the flames to reach the logs beneath.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particulate matter than the upside-down method. The logs on top of the pile get hotter faster and add more oxygen to the flames. This also stops the draught of the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling down. This could delay the ignition and cause smoke. This will also ensure that you will have a full-throttle fire from the beginning and you won't have to wait for too long before enjoying your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox in your log burning stove needs to be regularly cleaned. If not taken care of, a buildup could reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to release more smoke than a fire that is hot. This is especially dangerous, so it is essential to clean your wood bio ethanol stove on a regular basis. When it's time to clean it, you should make sure your stove is completely cool and clear any large pieces of ash prior to when you start cleaning. It is also recommended to wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. You can also put an old newspaper on the floor in front of the stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are several ways to clean the glass on your wood burner. Many people simply use a sheet of newspaper and rub the soot away, but you can also purchase cleaning sprays, or even oven cleaner. You can even purchase an item specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves at most hardware stores.

It is recommended to clean your stove in the spring months, as this can help stop the 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 buildup is greater than 1/8" it is recommended to clean the flue and chimney.

To clean the firebox, first ensure that the stove is cool. Next, remove any large pieces of ash and dispose of them properly. Once the ash has been removed it is possible to clean the inside of the stove with the wire brush. It is also recommended to scrub the grate and andirons using the help of a wire brush to eliminate any buildup of soot. You can also employ a cloth slightly dampened by water to clean the glass and firebox.

After you have finished cleaning the firebox, you should close the flue and shut the door to your wood stove. It is a good idea to have someone hold the ladder as you climb up and open the flue because it can be quite high up.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for a log-burning stove to function properly and prevent smoke from entering the home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to enter your room and replace the old, polluted air that would otherwise be drawn into the stove. A well-designed ventilation system can prevent your stove from overheating and creating damage. All stoves are required to have ventilation.

Start with wood that has been stacked for at least six month and dried. It will burn longer and more hot than fresh wood. Avoid adding materials made of man-made wood, such as ply, particle boards, and painted wood as they could release toxic gasses and leave behind residues that can cause a fire in the chimney. Do not add excessive amounts of logs, as they can block flames, resulting in unburned multi fuel stove, which could cause smoke and creosote.

It is recommended to open both air vents while you light the fire and keep them opened until the flames are established. Once the flames have been established you can close one of the air vent levers gradually until both vents are closed about a third of way. If your fireplace is in a depressurised area it might be necessary for you to open a window or door slightly to ensure there is sufficient ventilation. If you're using a wood burning stove, it is best to mix 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 has been established.

Check with your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if you are installing or moving a wood-burning stove. To comply with the regulations it is possible to build a chimney or change your existing flue. Check with your insurance company to determine if they require that the work be certified to ensure your home's insurance.