How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners produce low carbon, renewable heat source that can help the environment. They are simple to use and offer great heat for rooms.

The most efficient performance of a stove can be achieved by using wood that is well-seasoned. This is usually seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut, chopped and stacked over a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a fantastic option for homes with a variety of rooms and provide warmth, comfort and an cost-effective alternative to gas or oil. They also benefit the environment because they offer low carbon heating and also have the added benefit of enhancing your living space by creating a beautiful natural fire. Before you buy a wood stove, it is crucial to determine whether you reside in a region that has smoke control laws. This will impact the type of fuel you can use in your stove.

Contact the local environmental protection office for more information on the regulations if you reside in a smoke-control zone. You should also ensure that your house is suitable for a log burning stove since it will require to have a robust chimney and a suitable roof structure. You will also require plenty of dry logs to fuel the stove. It is crucial to select firewood that has been kiln dried with low moisture content or well-seasoned wood, as it will have less of an impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has a high moisture content and, as such, an enormous amount of energy is required to evaporate the water before it can generate any heat. Well-seasoned and kiln dried wood will burn more hot, and with less smoke emissions.

The first step is to build an ember bed by using small twigs and pieces of tinder. Once the tepee-like design has caught on, the larger logs can be added. They should be placed criss-cross (like a game of tic-tac toe) so that there is plenty of space for air flow between the logs. Once the fire has been established, you can close the air intake on the stove and utilize the "automatic combustion control" to feed the logs with a steady stream of oxygen.

The logs should be seasoned and cut to fit the stove, which will help 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.

A fire is lit

It is important to properly light a fire in a wood-burning stove, or any other log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of the stove and reduces creosote and smoke build-up within your chimney and in your home. To begin ensure that the damper is open - this is usually a valve or lever located close to the top of the stove. After the fire is established, you can close it to regulate the flow of air and the heat output.

Find a few small- to medium-sized clefts, and make sure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should be below 20 percent). Place a layer of tinder on the base of your log burner or fireplace by using a few pieces of newspaper or another materials that are combustible, such as cardboard. Don't put the tinder in a tight space because this could impede oxygen flow and cause the fire to go out. Put a few firelighters on top of the tinder in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, place some fine kindling on the top of the newspaper tinder. Make sure to leave room for air circulation. You could also add a few Eco firelighters at this stage to help the pieces of kindling ignite and burn more quickly. Then, place a few larger logs on the top of the fire. It is preferential to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, rather than leaning against one another. This allows airflow and draught to get to the logs below.

The upside-down method of lighting fires is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional method of lighting a fire. This is because the logs at the top of the stack heat up faster, supplying more oxygen to the flames below. It also stops the draught of the lowermost logs of the stack from cooling which could slow ignition and cause the fire to smoke. This will also ensure that you get a full-roaring fire right from the start and won't need to wait too long before you are able to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

Clean the firebox of your stove on a regular basis. If left unattended a buildup could reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to produce more smoke than a fire that is hot. This is especially dangerous, so it is vital to clean your wood stove regularly. Make sure that the stove has cool and then remove any large pieces of ash prior to you begin cleaning. Wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. You can also put a newspaper-covered sheet on the floor in front of the stove to stop ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are several ways to clean the glass of your wood burner. You can use a piece of newspaper to scrub away the soot, and you can also purchase oven cleaner or cleaning sprays. You can also purchase an item specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves in most hardware shops.

It is recommended to clean your stove during the spring, as this will help to stop the accumulation 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 use a flashlight to inspect the flue and chimney for any indication of creosote. If the amount of creosote buildup is greater than 1/8" is the time to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, first ensure that the stove is fully cool. Then, take out any large pieces of ash and dispose of them safely. Once the ash is removed it is possible to clean the stove's interior with the wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to clean the grate, irons to get rid of any soot. You can also employ a cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've finished cleaning the firebox, you must close the flue, and close the door of your wood stove. It is a good idea to have someone hold the ladder while you climb up and open the flue as this can be quite high up.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a log-burning stove is crucial to ensure the efficiency of the appliance as well as to prevent smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the space, replacing the old and stale air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating, which could cause damage to it and lower 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 then dried. It will burn more hot and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding materials made of man-made wood, such as Ply, particle boards and painted wood as they can produce toxic gasses and leave residues that could cause a fire in the chimney. Also, do not add more than one log at a time as they will partially smother the flames and leave unburned fuel which could cause lots of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents when lighting the fire and keep them open until the flames are fully established. Once the flames have been established, close one of the air vents slowly until both vents are closed about a third of the way. If your fireplace is in an area that is not affixed to pressure, it is possible to open a window or door to let in sufficient air. If you are using a stove that burns wood is best to combine charcoal with briquettes of fuel that are smokeless. This will allow the flames to burn for a longer time and allow you the option to add more logs after the fire is established.

If you are planning to install wood-burning multifuel stove or relocating it make sure you check with your Local Authority to find out what ventilation requirements it will have to meet. To meet the requirements you may have to construct an chimney or alter your existing flue. Check with your insurance provider to find out if they require that the work be approved to ensure the insurance coverage of your home.