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 simple to use and provide great heating for rooms.

The stove's maximum efficiency is attained when it is filled with well-seasoned wood. This is the seasoned horse chestnut, or hawthorn that is chopped and stored for a whole year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a great choice for many homes and provide warm, comfortable and cost-effective alternative to gas or oil. They are also environmentally friendly because they emit very little of carbon dioxide as well as provide the natural warmth needed to improve your living space. Before you buy a wood stove, it's essential to know whether you live in a region where there are smoke control laws. This will impact the type of fuels you can use for your electric stove fire.

If you are in a zone of smoke control, you should consult with the local environmental protection office to find out more about the rules. Also, you should ensure that your house is suitable for a log burning stove because it must have a strong chimney and a sufficient roof structure. In addition, you will need to have a plentiful supply of dry logs for the stove. It is important to use kiln dried firewood that has a low moisture content, or well-seasoned wood as it will have less impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood is rich in moisture, which means it requires a lot energy to evaporate the water. A well-seasoned, kiln dried and well-seasoned Wood burning stove near me - http://gwwa.yodev.net - will burn more hot, and with less smoke emissions.

The first step is to set the bed of embers with small twigs and pieces of wood. Once the tepee arrangement is established then larger logs can be added. They should be stacked in a criss cross (like a tic-tac-toe game) to ensure that there is plenty of space for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire has been established you can shut the main air intake on the stove and utilize the 'automatic combustion control' to supply the logs with a steady stream of oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned and cut to fit your stove, which will help in the process of burning. It is recommended to only use Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and come from sustainable forests.

A fire is lit

It is essential to correctly light a fire in a wood-burning stove or log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove, but it also reduces creosote and smoke build-up within your chimney and in your home. To begin make sure that the damper is open - this is usually a lever or valve close to the top of the stove. Once the fire is established, you can close this to control the flow of air and the output of heat.

To get started start, gather a few small to medium-sized cleft logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with less than 20 percent moisture percent). Add an ember layer on the bottom of your log burner or fireplace using a handful of pieces of newspaper or any other non-combustible materials like cardboard. 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, put some finely seasoned kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Again, leave space for air circulation. You could also include a couple of Eco firelighters in this stage to aid the pieces of tinder to ignite and burn more quickly. Then, place a few larger logs on top of the kindling. It is best to lay them flat on the grate, or firebed, instead of leaning against one another. This allows for airflow and draught to reach the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and produces more particulate matter than the upside-down method. The logs at the top of the pile are heated faster and provide more oxygen to the flames. It also stops the draught from the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling, which would otherwise slow the ignition and cause the fire to smoke. This technique also ensures an enthralling, full-throttle fire is created from the start and you won't need to wait for long before you can enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

Clean the firebox of your stove regularly. If not taken care of, a buildup can reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to produce more smoke than a hot fire. It is therefore essential to clean the stove regularly. When it's time to do so you must ensure that the stove is completely cool and clear any large pieces of ash prior to when you start cleaning. Wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. You can also place a newspaper-covered sheet on the floor in front of your stove to stop ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are a variety of ways to clean the glass on your wood burner. You can use a piece newspaper to scrub away the soot, and you can buy oven cleaners or cleaning sprays. There's even a product designed specifically to clean wood stoves that can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove during spring will keep away the buildup of creosote. Creosote can be flammable and cause serious fire hazards, which is why it is important to keep your stove clean. You can use a flashlight for a visual inspection of the chimney and flue. If the creosote accumulation is greater than 1/8", it's time to clean the flue and chimney.

You should make sure that the stove has cool before cleaning the firebox. Next, remove any large pieces of ash and dispose of them safely. Once the ash has been removed then you can clean the inside of the stove with a wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to scrub the grate, irons, and get rid of any soot. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened with water to scrub the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox, you must close the flue, and close the door to your wood stove. You should have someone hold your ladder as you climb up the ladder to open the flue. This can be a difficult task.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a log burning stove is crucial to ensure the operation of the appliance as well as to keep smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows for fresh air to flow into the room, replacing the old aged air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will keep your stove from overheating and creating damage. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

To make the most of your log burner begin with seasoned wood that has been stacked and dried for at least six months. It will burn more hot and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood products like ply wood, particle boards and painted timber since they could release toxic gases and leave traces in the flue, which could cause an ignition fire in the chimney. Also, avoid adding too many logs at once, as they will partially smother the flames and cause unburned fuel to remain that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents when lighting the fire, and keep them opened until the flames have been established. When the flames are established you can close one of the vents gradually until both vents are shut about a third of way. If your fireplace is situated in a space that is depressurized, it may be necessary to open a window or door slightly to ensure adequate ventilation. If you have a wood burning stove it is recommended to mix both smokeless and wood briquettes. 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 installing wood-burning stove or changing its location make sure you make sure you contact your Local Authority to find out what ventilation requirements it will have to be able to. To meet the requirements it is possible to build a chimney or change your existing flue. Check with your insurance company to determine if they require that the work be certified to ensure the insurance coverage of your home.