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 heat for a room.

A stove's optimum efficiency is achieved when it's filled 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 warmth, comfort and an economical alternative to gas and oil. They are also environmentally friendly as they emit low levels of carbon dioxide and create the natural warmth needed to improve your living space. But, before purchasing a wood burner, it is important to check whether you reside in a smoke-free zone as this can affect the type of fuel you can use in your stove.

If you are in a zone of smoke control it is recommended to contact the local environmental protection office to find out more information about the regulations. You should also make sure that your home is able to accommodate a stove that burns logs. It will require a sturdy chimney and a roof structure. In addition to this, you will need to have plenty of dry logs for your stove. It is best to use kiln-dried firewood with a low moisture level or well-seasoned wood because it has a lower negative impact on the environment. Green wood is rich in moisture, and it takes a lot of energy to evaporate the water. Well-seasoned and kiln dried wood will burn more hot, and with fewer smoke emissions.

The first step is to construct an ember-filled bed with small twigs, or pieces of kindling. Once the tepee arrangement is set then larger logs can be added. They should be stacked in a criss cross (like a tic-tac-toe board) so that there is enough room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire is established you can utilize the automatic combustion control to provide the logs with oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned, and the size should match the stove you are using. This will aid 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 multi burner stove. Not only does this improve the efficiency of the stove and reduces creosote and smoke build-up within your chimney and in your home. To begin make sure that the damper is open It is typically a lever or valve at the top of the stove. After the fire has been established, you can close this to regulate the flow of air and the output of heat.

To get started, gather some small to medium sized cleft logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with an average moisture content of less than 20%). Use a handful or newspaper or another combustible materials such as cardboard to make a layer of tinder at the base of your log burner or fireplace. Do not pack the tinder tightly, as it will block the flow of oxygen to the fire, and may cause it to die. Place a few crisscrossed firelighters on the tinder.

Then, place some fine kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Again, leave space for air circulation. At this stage you may also add Eco firelighters to help the fire start. Then put a few larger logs on the top of the fire. It is recommended to lay these flat on the grate or firebed instead of leaning them against each other because this aids in airflow and draught and allows the fire to reach the logs underneath.

The upside down method of lighting a fire is more efficient and produces less particulate emissions than the traditional way of lighting the fire. The logs that are on top of the pile get hotter faster and supply more oxygen to the flames. This also stops the draught of the wood at the bottom of the stack from cooling down. This could delay the ignition and cause smoke. This technique also ensures an enthralling, full-throttle fire is created from the start, and you will not have to wait long to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

You should clean the firebox of your stove regularly. If left unattended an accumulation of ash can reduce airflow and cause the fireplace to emit smoke instead of an intense flame. It is therefore essential to clean your wood stove on a regular basis. When it's time to clean it, you should make sure your stove is completely cool and take out any large pieces of ash before you start cleaning. Wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. It is also recommended that you put a newspaper sheet on the ground in front of your stove to stop the ashes from settling on your carpet.

There are many ways to clean the glass of your wood burner. You can use a piece of newspaper to scrub away the soot, but you can also purchase cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. There's even a product specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves. It can be found at many hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove in the spring will keep away the buildup of creosote. Creosote is flammable and can cause serious fire hazards, which is why it is important to keep your stove clean. You can also employ a flashlight to examine the flue and chimney for any indication of creosote. If the creosote buildup exceeds than 1/8" then you must clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, first make sure the stove is cool. Then, take out any large ash particles and dispose of them in a safe way. After the ash has been removed, you can clean the stove's interior by using the wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to clean the grate, andirons and remove any soot. You can also use a dampened cloth to clean the glass and the firebox.

After you have finished cleaning the firebox, you should close the flue and shut the door to your wood stove. You should ask someone to hold your ladder as you climb up the ladder to open the flue. This could be a high spot.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a log burning stove is essential for the operation of the appliance and to stop smoke from entering your home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to circulate through your home, replacing the old, polluted air that would otherwise be drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will prevent your stove from overheating and causing damage. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been placed in a stack for at least a month and dried. It will last longer and heat up faster than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood products like ply wood, particle boards and painted timber since they can release toxic gases and leave residues in the flue that can cause a chimney fire. Also, do not add too many logs at once, since they could partially block the flames and cause unburned fuel to remain which can create lots of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire It is recommended that both air vents be opened. Keep them open until the flames are established. When the flames are established then close one of the air vents gradually until both vents are shut about a third of the way. If your fireplace is in an area with a low pressure it might be necessary for you to open a door or window slightly to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation. If you have a wood-burning stove it is recommended to make use of a mixture of both smokeless and wood briquettes. This will allow the flames to burn for longer periods of time and also allow you to add more logs after the fire has been established.

Make sure to ask your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if are installing or moving a wood-burning stove. You may have to build an entirely new chimney or modify your existing flue to comply with the regulations. You should also consult your insurance company to determine whether they require that you have the work approved to maintain your home insurance.