How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners produce low carbon, renewable heat source and benefit the environment. They are easy-to-use and provide great heat for rooms.

The highest efficiency of a stove is when it's filled with well-seasoned wood. This can be accomplished by using seasoned hawthorn, or horse chestnut that has been chopped and stacked over the course of a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are an excellent choice for many homes and provide warm, comfortable and economical alternative to gas and oil. They are also good for the environment as they provide an energy-efficient heat source and also have the added benefit of enhancing your living space by creating a beautiful natural flame. However, before buying a wood burner it is important to check whether you live in a smoke control area since this could affect the type of fuel you can use in your stove.

Contact the local environmental protection office for more information on the rules for those who live in a smoke-control area. Also, you should ensure that your home is suitable for a stove that burns wood because it must have a sturdy chimney and a suitable roof structure. You will also require a large supply of dry logs to fuel your stove. It is best to use wood that has been kiln dried and has low moisture levels or well-seasoned wood as it has a lower negative impact on the environment. Green wood has a high moisture content which means the majority of energy is used to evaporate the water before it generates any heat. Well-seasoned and kiln dried wood will burn hotter and produce less smoke emissions.

The first step is building an ember bed with small twigs, or pieces of wood. Once the tepee-like arrangement has been accepted, 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 set, you can close the main air intake on the stove and utilize the "automatic combustion control" to feed the logs with a steady flow of oxygen.

The logs should be dried and seasoned, and the dimensions should be matched to your stove. This will help in the process of burning. It is recommended to only use Woodsure approved logs, which are kiln-dried and sourced from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is crucial to correctly light an open flame in the wood-burning stove or log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces smoke and creosote build-up in your chimney and home. Begin by opening the damper, usually a lever near the top of your stove. Once the fire is established and the damper is closed, you can shut it to control the airflow and heat output.

Gather some small to medium-sized clefts and ensure they are dry. (Ideally the moisture content should not exceed 20%). Utilize a handful of newspaper or any other combustible material such as cardboard to add an tinder layer at the bottom of your log multi burner stove or fireplace. Do not pack the tinder tightly because this could impede oxygen flow and cause the fire to go out. Set a few firelighters crisscrossed on the tinder.

Next, put some pieces of fine kindling over the tinder of the newspaper, leaving space for air to circulate. At this point, you can also add Eco firelighters to help the fire start. Then put a few larger logs on the top of the fire. It is best to lay them flat on the grate, or firebed, instead of leaning against each other. This allows airflow and draught to reach 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 a fire. This is because the logs at the top of the stack get hotter faster, providing more oxygen to the flames below. This also prevents the draught of the wood at bottom of the stack cooling down. This would otherwise slow the ignition process and cause smoke. This technique also ensures the fire is full and roaring is created from the start, and you will not be waiting for long to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

You should clean the fireplace of your log-burning stove on a regular basis. If left unattended, a buildup could reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to release more smoke than a hot fire. This could be extremely dangerous, so it is important to clean your wood stove regularly. Make sure that the stove has cooling and take out any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash is extremely hot. You can also place an old newspaper on the floor in front of the stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are a variety of ways to clean the glass of your wood burner. Many people just apply a sheet of newspaper and rub away the soot, but you can also purchase cleaning sprays or even oven cleaner. You can also purchase products specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves at most hardware shops.

Cleaning your stove in the spring will stop the buildup of creosote. It is essential to clean your stove because creosote can be flammable and create serious fire hazards. You can also employ a flashlight to examine the flue and chimney for any sign of creosote. If the creosote accumulation is more than 1/8", it's time to clean the flue and chimney.

You must ensure that the stove has cooled before cleaning the firebox. Next, remove any large pieces of ash and dispose of them in a safe manner. After the ash has been removed then you can clean the inside of the electric stove fire (http://ncg.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=support_03&wr_id=155745) with a wire brush. You should also scrub the grate and andirons with wire brushes to get rid of any soot buildup. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened with water to scrub the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox, you must close the flue and shut the door of your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone hold the ladder as you climb up and open the flue since it is high.

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary for a stove with a log burner to function properly and keep smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to enter the space, replacing the old and stale air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. Ventilation will help prevent your stove from overheating which can cause damage and lower its effectiveness. All stoves are required to have ventilation.

To make the most of your log burner Start with seasoned wood that has been dried and stacked for at least six months. It will last longer and heat up faster than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood materials like ply wood, particle boards and painted timber as these can release toxic gases and leave traces in the flue, which can cause an ignition fire in the chimney. Also, do not add too many logs at once because they can partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned which can create lots of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents while lighting the fire and keep them open until the flames are fully established. Once the fire is fully lit then slowly close the air vents until they are completely closed, about one third. If your fireplace is in a depressurised space it might be necessary to open a window or door to let in sufficient air. When using a wood-burning stove, it's best to combine wood with smokeless fuel briquettes. This will help keep the flames going for a longer period of time and also allow you to add larger logs to your fire once it has been established.

If you are planning to install wood-burning stove or moving it to a different location, make sure you contact your Local Authority to find out what ventilation requirements they will need to be able to. You may have to build a new chimney or alter the existing one to ensure it is in line with the regulations. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to determine if they will require that you have the work certified in order to maintain your home insurance.