How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an eco-friendly source of heat powered wood stove fan that is low in carbon and beneficial for the environment. They are easy-to-use and provide excellent heat for a room.

The highest efficiency of a stove can be achieved by using well-seasoned wood. This is mature horse chestnut or hawthorn, which has been cut and stacked for a year.

Burning logs

log burning stoves (check out here) are a fantastic choice for many homes and offer warmth, comfort and an economical alternative to gas and oil. They are also environmentally friendly as they emit low levels of carbon dioxide as well as provide an natural fire that can enhance your living space. However, before you buy a wood stove, it is essential to determine if you reside in a smoke-free area as this will affect the kind of fuel you can burn in your stove.

Contact the local environmental protection office for more information about the rules if you reside in a smoke-control zone. You should also make sure that your house is built for a stove with a log burner. It will need a strong chimney and roof structure. You will also need plenty of dry logs to fuel your stove. It is recommended to use dry, kiln-dried firewood that has a low moisture level or well-seasoned wood since it has a lower negative impact on the environment. Green wood has high moisture content and, as such, the majority of energy is used to evaporate the water before it generates any heat. A well-seasoned, kiln-dried, and well-seasoned wood will burn more hot and release less smoke.

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

The logs must be seasoned and cut to fit the stove, which will help in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to choose only Woodsure approved logs. These logs are dried in kilns and sourced from sustainable forest.

The lighting of a fire

It is crucial to correctly light the fire in the wood-burning stove or log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of your stove, but also reduce smoke and creosote in your chimney as well as in your house. To begin with, make sure the damper is open It is typically a lever or valve close to the top of the stove. After the fire is established and the damper is closed, you can shut it to regulate the flow of air and the output of heat.

Take a few small to medium-sized clefts and ensure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should be below 20 percent). Use a handful or newspaper or other combustible material such as cardboard to make a layer of tinder at the base of your log burner or fireplace. Don't pack the tinder in tightly, as this can restrict the flow of oxygen into the fire and could cause it to die. Place a few firelighters on the top of the tinder, in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, add some finely seasoned kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. You could also include a couple of Eco firelighters at this point to help the pieces of kindling ignite and burn more quickly. Then, you can place a few bigger logs on the top of the kindling. It is preferential to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, instead of leaning against one another. This allows airflow and draught to reach the logs below.

The upside down method of lighting a fire is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional method of lighting a fire. The logs at the top of the pile get hotter faster and supply 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 method also ensures that you get a full-roaring fire from the beginning and won't need to wait for too long before enjoying your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

Clean the firebox of your stove on a regular basis. If left unattended a buildup can reduce airflow, causing the fireplace to produce more smoke than a fire that is hot. It is therefore essential to clean your wood stove regularly. Make sure that the stove is completely cooled and remove any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash is extremely hot. It is also recommended that you place a newspaper-covered sheet on the ground in front of your stove to stop ashes from falling onto your carpet.

There are many ways to clean the glass of your wood burner. A lot of people apply a sheet of newspaper and rub the soot off, but you can also buy cleaning sprays, or even oven cleaner. There's even a product designed specifically to clean wood stoves that can be found at many hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove in spring will stop the buildup of creosote. Creosote is flammable and can cause serious fire hazards, so it is crucial to keep your stove clean. You can also make use of a flashlight to check the flue and chimney for any signs of creosote. If the creosote buildup exceeds than 1/8" then you must clean the flue and chimney.

To clean the firebox, you should first ensure that the stove is completely cool. Next, remove any large pieces of ash and dispose of them in a safe manner. After removing the ash, you can make use of a wire bristle to clean the inside of your stove. You should also scrub the grate and andirons with wire brushes to get rid of any soot buildup. You can also make use of a cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the glass and firebox.

After you have finished cleaning the firebox, you should close the flue and seal 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 necessary for a log-burning stove to function properly and keep smoke from entering your home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to enter your room to replace the old, polluted air that could be drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will keep your stove from overheating and creating damage. Ventilation is also an obligation of law for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been stored for at least six month and dried. It will burn longer and more hot than fresh wood. Avoid adding substances made of man-made wood like Ply, particle boards and painted wood because they could release toxic gasses and leave behind residues that could cause a fire in the chimney. Do not add excessive amounts of logs, as this will partially smother flames, leaving unburned fuel that could cause smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents prior to lighting the fire, and keep them opened until the flames are fully established. When the flames are established, close one of the vents gradually until both vents are closed approximately a third of the way. If your fireplace is situated in a depressurised space it might be necessary to open a window or door to let in sufficient air. If you're using an electric stove that burns wood it is recommended to mix both wood and smokeless fuel briquettes. This will allow you to keep the flames going for a longer period of time, and also allow you to add more logs to the fire when it is established.

If you're installing wood-burning stove or relocating it be sure to check with your Local Authority to find out what requirements for ventilation they will need to meet. You may have to build a new chimney or modify the existing one to ensure it is in line with the regulations. Contact your insurance company to find out if they require that the work be certified to ensure your home's insurance.