How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an energy source that is renewable that is low in carbon and good for the environment. They are easy-to-use and provide an excellent heating source for a room.

The highest efficiency of a stove is realized 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 an inviting, warm and cost-effective alternative to gas and oil. They are also good for the environment because they offer a low carbon heat and offer the added benefit of enriching your living space by creating a stunning natural fire. Before purchasing a wood stove, it is important to find out if you live in an area that has smoke control laws. This will affect the kind of fuel you can put into your stove.

You should contact your local environmental protection agency to find out more about the regulations if you live in a smoke-control area. Also, you should ensure that your home is able to accommodate a stove that burns logs. It will need an enduring chimney and a roof structure. In addition to this it is essential to have plenty of dry logs for the stove. It is best to use dry, kiln-dried firewood that has an extremely low moisture level or well-seasoned wood because it will have a less negative impact on the environment. Green wood has a high moisture content and, as such, the majority of energy is required to evaporate the water before it is able to generate any heat. Wood that is well-seasoned and kiln dried will burn hotter, with fewer smoke emissions.

The first step is to build a bed of embers with small twigs, or pieces of tinder. Once the tepee-like arrangement has caught on, the larger logs can be added. They should be stacked in a criss-cross fashion (like a game of tic-tac toe) so there is enough space for airflow between the logs. Once the fire has been established you can utilize the automatic combustion control to provide the logs with oxygen.

The logs need to be seasoned, and the size should be in line with the stove you are using. This will help in the burning process. It is also a good idea to only use Woodsure approved logs, which are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forests.

Lighting 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, but it also reduces the build-up of smoke and creosote in your chimney and home. To begin ensure that the damper is not closed This is usually an open valve or lever at the top of the stove. Once the fire is established, you can close it to regulate the flow of air and the output of heat.

To begin start, gather a few small to medium sized cleft logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with a moisture content below 20 percent). Use a handful or newspaper or any other combustible material such as cardboard to make the tinder to the base of your fireplace or log burner. Do not pack the tinder in a tight manner as this can restrict oxygen flow and cause the fire to go out. Place a few flames on the top of the tinder, in a criss-cross arrangement.

Then, place a few pieces of fine kindling on top of the tinder of the newspaper, leaving enough space for air to circulate. You can also add a couple of Eco firelighters at this stage to aid the pieces of tinder to ignite and burn faster. Then, place some larger pieces of wood on top of the kindling. It is best to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, instead of leaning against each other. This allows for airflow and draught to reach the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particulate matter than the upside-down method. This is due to the fact that the logs at the top of the stack are heated faster, bringing more oxygen to the flames below. It also stops the draughts from the lower logs of the stack from cooling, which would otherwise slow the ignition and cause the fire to go out of control. This technique also ensures the fire is full and roaring is created from the start and you won't be waiting for long before enjoying your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

Clean the fireplace of your log-burning stove on a regular basis. If not taken care of, a buildup could reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to produce more smoke than a fire that is hot. It is therefore important to clean the wood stove regularly. It is important to ensure that the stove has cool and then remove any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. It is also recommended to wear gloves because ash can be extremely hot. You can also put a newspaper-covered sheet on the floor in front of your stove to prevent ashes from falling onto your carpet.

When cleaning the glass inside your wood stove There are a variety of different methods available. A lot of people use a sheet of newspaper and rub the soot away however, you can also purchase cleaning sprays or even oven cleaner. You can also purchase a product that is specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves at a majority of hardware shops.

Cleaning your stove in spring can help to stop the buildup of creosote. Creosote can be flammable and cause serious fire hazards, which is why it is essential to keep your woodburning stove clean. You can use a flashlight to conduct a visual inspection of the chimney and flue. If the accumulation of creosote is more than 1/8" then it's time to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, you should first make sure the stove is fully cool. Then, take out any large pieces of ash and dispose of them in a safe manner. After you have removed the ash, you can use a wire bristle to clean the inside of your stove. Wire brushes are a great way to clean the grate, irons, as well as remove any soot. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened with water to clean the glass and the firebox.

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

Ventilation

Ventilation in a log-burning stove is vital to the proper operation of the appliance as well as to prevent smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows for fresh air to enter the space replacing the old and stale air that could have been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating, which could cause damage to it and decrease its effectiveness. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

To maximize the performance of your log burner, start with well-seasoned wood that has been dried and stacked for at least six months. It will burn longer and more hot than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood products such as ply wood, particle boards and painted timber as these can release toxic gases and leave residues in the flue that can cause an ignition fire in the chimney. Also, avoid adding more than one log at once as they will partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned which could cause lots of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents when lighting the fire, and remain open until flames are established. When the fire is fully lit then slowly close the vents until they're each closed by about one-third. If your fireplace is located in an area with a low pressure, it may be necessary to open a door or window slightly to ensure that there is enough air circulation. If you are using a wood-burning stove, it is best to mix both smokeless and wood burning stove small briquettes. This will allow you to keep the flames burning for a longer period of time and also allow you to add larger logs to the fire when it is fully established.

If you're installing wood-burning stove or moving it to a different location make sure you consult your Local Authority to find out the requirements for ventilation it must comply with. To ensure compliance with the regulations you may have to construct a chimney or change your existing flue. You should also consult your insurance provider to see if they will require you to have the work approved to keep your home insurance.