How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are a renewable source of heat that is low in carbon and beneficial for the environment. They are easy to use and provide excellent heating for rooms.

The most efficient performance of a stove is achieved by using well-seasoned wood. This is the seasoned horse chestnut, or hawthorn that has been chopped and stacked for a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves offer warmth, comfort and economical alternative to gas and oil. They are also green as they emit low levels of carbon dioxide as well as provide an natural fire that can enhance your living space. Before buying a wood stove, it is essential to know whether you reside in a place where there are smoke control laws. This will impact the type of fuels you can use for your stove.

Contact your local environmental protection agency for more information about the rules for those who live in a smoke-control area. It is also important to make sure that your home is suitable for a stove that burns wood as it will need to have a robust chimney and a sufficient roof structure. In addition to this, you will need to have plenty of dry logs for the stove. It is important to select firewood that has been kiln dried with a low moisture content, or well-seasoned wood, since it will have less impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood is rich in moisture, so it requires a lot of energy to evaporate the water. Wood that is well-seasoned and kiln dried will burn more hot, and with less smoke emissions.

The first step is to build the bed of embers with small twigs and pieces of kindling. After the tepee arrangement is set the larger logs can be added. They should be stacked in a criss-cross fashion (like a game of tic-tac-toe) to ensure there is enough space for air flow between the logs. Once the fire is established you can utilize the automatic control for combustion to supply the logs with oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned and cut to fit your stove, which will assist with the burning process. It is also a good idea to only use Woodsure approved logs that are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is essential to correctly light the fire in the wood-burning stove or log burner. Not only does this improve the efficiency of the stove and reduces smoke and creosote build-up in your chimney and home. Start by releasing the damper - typically a lever at the top of your stove. Once the fire has been established then you can close the damper to control the airflow and the heat output.

To get started start, gather a few small to medium-sized cleft logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with an average moisture content of less than 20%). Put the tinder layer to the bottom of your log burner or fireplace using a few pieces of newspaper or other materials that are combustible, such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder in tightly, as this restricts the flow of oxygen to the fire and could cause it to die. Put a few firelighters on the top of the tinder in a criss-cross pattern.

Next, put some pieces of fine kindling on top of the tinder of the newspaper, leaving enough space for air to circulate. At this point, you may also add Eco firelighters to help the kindling ignite. Then, you can place a few bigger logs on top of the kindling. It is best to lay them flat on the grate, or firebed, rather than leaning against each other. This allows for airflow and draught to reach the logs below.

The upside down fire-lighting method is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional way of lighting the fire. The logs on top of the pile are heated faster and provide more oxygen to the flames. This also stops the draught of the wood at bottom of the stack cooling down. This would otherwise slow the ignition process and cause smoke. This method also ensures that a full, roaring fire is achieved from the beginning, and you will not be waiting for long before you can enjoy your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

It is recommended to clean the firebox of your stove regularly. If left unattended, a buildup of ash can impede airflow and cause the fireplace to produce smoke instead of an intense flame. This could be extremely dangerous, which is why it's essential to keep your wood stove clean. When it's time to do so you must ensure that the stove log burner is completely cool and clear any large pieces of ash before you start cleaning. Wear gloves as ash is extremely hot. It is also recommended to place a sheet of newspaper on the ground in front of the stove to stop the ashes from settling on your carpet.

When cleaning the glass in your wood burner, there are a number of different methods available. Many people simply use a sheet of newspaper and rub away the soot, but you can also buy cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. You can also purchase a product that is specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves at most hardware shops.

It is a good idea to clean your stove during the spring season, since this will stop the buildup of creosote. It is important to clean your stove as creosote is flammable and can create serious fire hazards. You can also use a flashlight to inspect the chimney and flue for any signs of creosote. If the creosote accumulation is more than 1/8" then it's time to clean the chimney and flue.

You must ensure that the stove is fully cooled before cleaning the firebox. Next, remove any large ash pieces and dispose of them properly. After removing the ash, you can employ a wire bristle clean the interior of your stove. You should also scrub the grate and andirons with the help of a wire brush to eliminate any buildup of soot. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned the firebox, close the flue and seal the door to your wood stove. You should ask someone to hold your ladder as you climb the ladder to open the flue. This could be a high place.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for a stove with a log burner to function properly and prevent smoke from entering your home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to circulate through your home and replace the polluted air that would otherwise be drawn into the stove. Ventilation will help prevent your stove from overheating, which can cause damage and decrease its efficiency. All stoves must have ventilation.

To get the most out of your fireplace Start with well-seasoned wood that has been dried and stacked for at minimum six months. It will burn more hot and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding materials made from man-made wood like ply, particle boards, and painted wood as they can release toxic gasses and leave behind residues that can cause a fire in the chimney. Don't pile on too many logs as this will partially reduce flames and leave unburned fuel which could cause creosote and smoke.

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, close one of the vent levers gradually until both vents are shut about a third of the way. If your fireplace is located in an area that is not able to be regulated it might be necessary to open a window or door slightly to ensure there is sufficient ventilation. When using a wood-burning stove, it's best to combine charcoal with smokeless fuel briquettes. This will help to keep the flames going for a longer time and also allow you to add larger logs to your fire once it is fully established.

If you are installing wood-burning stove or changing its location be sure to consult your Local Authority to find out what requirements for ventilation it must meet. To ensure compliance with the regulations, you may need to install a chimney or change your existing flue. You should also consult your insurance provider to see if they will require that you have the work approved to maintain your home insurance.