How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an energy source that is renewable that is low in carbon and great for the environment. They are simple to use and offer excellent heat for a room.

The most efficient performance of a stove is achieved with well-seasoned wood. This is seasoned horse chestnut or hawthorn that has been cut and stacked for a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves offer warmth, comfort and cost-effective alternative to gas and oil. They also are beneficial for the environment because they offer a low carbon heat and have the added benefit of enhancing your living space by creating an attractive natural flame. Before purchasing a wood stove, it is essential to know if you live in a region where there are smoke control laws. This will affect the type of fuels you can use for your stove.

If you live in a zone of smoke control you should contact your local environmental protection office to learn more about the rules. You should also make sure that your house is built to house a log-burning stove. It will require a strong chimney and roof structure. It is also necessary to have a large supply of dry logs to fuel the stove. It is recommended to use wood that has been kiln dried and has an extremely low moisture level or well-seasoned wood because it will have a less negative impact on the environment. Green wood has high moisture content, which means that an enormous amount of energy is required to evaporate the water before it is able to generate any heat. Well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood will burn hotter and emit less smoke.

The first step is building an ember bed using small twigs or pieces of tinder. Once the tepee-like design has been accepted, larger logs can be added. They should be stacked criss-cross (like a game of tic-tac toe) to ensure there is enough room for air flow between the logs. After the fire has been established it is possible to use the automatic control for combustion to supply the logs with oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned and sized to fit your stove, which can help in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to use only Woodsure approved logs. These logs are dried in kilns and come from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is important to properly light a fire in the wood-burning stove or log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces the build-up of smoke and creosote in your chimney and at home. To begin make sure that the damper is opened - this is usually a lever or valve at the top of the stove. After the fire has been established then you can close the valve to regulate the flow of air and heat output.

Gather some small to medium-sized clefts and ensure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should not exceed 20%). Add a layer of tinder on the bottom of your fireplace or log burner, using a few pieces of newspaper or other combustible material such as cardboard. Do not put the tinder in a tight space as this could hinder oxygen flow and cause the fire to burn out. Place a few crisscrossed firelighters on the tinder.

Then, put some finely seasoned kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Again, leave space for air circulation. You can also include a couple of Eco firelighters at this point to aid the pieces of kindling to get ignited and burn more quickly. Then, you can place a few bigger logs on the top of the fire. It is best to lay them flat on the grate or firebed rather than leaning them against each other to help with draught and airflow and allows the flames to reach the logs underneath.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and produces more particulate matter than the upside-down method. This is because the logs at the top of the stack are heated faster, supplying more oxygen to the flames below. It also prevents the draught of the lowermost logs of the stack from cooling, which would otherwise slow ignition and cause the fire to go out of control. This method also ensures the fire is full and roaring starts right from the beginning and you won't need to wait for long before you can enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox inside your log burning stove needs to be cleaned regularly. When left unattended, a buildup of ash can impede airflow and cause the fireplace to release smoke instead of a hot flame. It is therefore important to clean the wood stove regularly. When it is time to do so be sure your stove is completely cool and clear any large pieces of ash prior to when you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. It is also recommended to put a newspaper sheet on the ground in front of the stove to stop the ashes from falling on your carpet.

When it comes to cleaning the glass in your wood burner, there are a number of different methods available. You can use a piece newspaper to rub away the soot, but you can buy oven cleaners or cleaning sprays. You can even buy a product that is specifically designed to clean wood stoves at most hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove in the spring will 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 use a flashlight for a visual inspection of the flue and chimney. If the creosote buildup is greater than 1/8", you should clean the chimney and flue.

You must ensure that the stove has cool before cleaning the firebox. Then, remove any large ash particles and eliminate them in a secure manner. Once the ash is removed then you can clean the inside of the stove using a wire brush. It is also recommended to scrub the grate and the andirons with wire brushes to get rid of any soot buildup. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the glass and the firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox, you must close the flue, and close the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone hold your ladder as you climb the ladder to open the flue. This can be a high spot.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a log-burning stove is crucial to ensure the efficiency of the appliance and also to stop smoke from entering your home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to circulate through your home and replace the polluted air that would be drawn into the stove. A properly designed 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 stored for at least six months and then dried. It will burn hotter and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood products such as 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. Don't add too many logs at a time as they will partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire it is recommended that both air vents are opened. Keep them open until the flames are established. Once the flames are fully established then close one of the vent levers gradually until both vents are shut about a third of way. If your fireplace is in a space that is depressurized, it is possible to open a door or window slightly to ensure adequate ventilation. If you're using a wood-burning stove it is recommended to make use of a mixture of both wood and smokeless multi fuel stove briquettes. This will allow you to keep the flames going for a longer period of time and allow you to add more logs to the fire once it is fully established.

Make sure to ask your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if you are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. You may have to build a new chimney or modify the existing one to ensure it is in line with the regulations. You should also consult your insurance provider to see whether they require you to have the work certified in order to maintain your home insurance.