How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

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

The highest efficiency of a stove is when it is filled with well-seasoned wood. This is seasoned horse chestnut or hawthorn, that has been chopped and stacked for a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are an excellent option for homes of all kinds and offer warmth, comfort and an cost-effective alternative to gas or oil. They also benefit the environment as they provide low carbon heating and also have the added benefit of enriching your living space by creating an attractive natural flame. However, before buying a wood burner it is important to check whether you reside in a smoke-free zone as this can have an impact on the kind of fuel you can burn in your stove.

If you do live in a smoke-free zone, you should consult with your local environmental protection office to find out more information about the regulations. Also, you should ensure that your home is suitable for a stove made of wood because it must have a strong chimney and an adequate roof structure. Additionally you must have plenty of dry logs for your stove. It is best to choose dry, kiln-dried firewood that has a low moisture level or well-seasoned wood as it has a lower negative impact on the environment. Green wood has high moisture content which means a large amount of energy is required to evaporate the water before it can generate any heat. A well-seasoned, kiln-dried, and well-seasoned wood will burn more hot and release less smoke.

The first step is to construct an ember-filled bed 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 (like a tic-tac-toe game) to ensure that there is plenty of room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire is established you can shut the air intake on the stove and utilize the "automatic combustion control" to feed the logs with a steady stream of oxygen.

The logs must be dried and seasoned, and the dimensions should be matched to your stove. This will assist in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to only use Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and come from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is important to properly light a fire in a wood burning stove, or any other log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of the stove and reduces smoke and creosote build-up in your chimney and at home. Begin by opening the damper, typically a lever located near the top of your stove. Once the fire is established, you can close this to control airflow and heat output.

To begin, gather some small to medium-sized cut logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with less than 20 percent moisture%). Place an ember layer on the base of your fireplace or log burner, using a few pieces of newspaper or any other materials that are combustible, such as cardboard. Do not pack the tinder tightly as this could hinder oxygen flow and cause the fire to go out. Place a few crisscrossed firelighters on the tinder.

Then, sprinkle a few pieces of fine-knitted kindling over the newspaper tinder, again leaving enough space for air to circulate. You can also add a few Eco firelighters at this point to aid the pieces of tinder to get ignited and burn more quickly. Then, put several larger pieces of wood on top of the kindling. It is recommended to lay them flat on the firebed or grate instead of leaning them against one another as this helps with airflow and draught and allows the fire to reach the logs underneath.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particulate matter than the upside-down method. The logs on top of the pile get hotter faster and provide more oxygen to the flames. This also stops the draughts from the lowermost logs of the stack from cooling which could slow the ignition time and cause the fire to smoke. This method also ensures the fire is full and roaring is achieved from the beginning and you won't have to wait long before enjoying your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox of your log burning stove has to be cleaned regularly. If left unattended, a buildup can reduce airflow, which can cause the fireplace to produce more smoke than a fire that is hot. Therefore, it is essential to clean the wood stove on a regular basis. It is important to ensure that the stove is completely cooling and take out any large pieces of ash prior to 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 the ashes from falling on your carpet.

There are many ways to clean the glass on your wood multi burner stove. You can use a piece of newspaper to scrub away the soot, but you can also purchase oven cleaner or cleaning sprays. There is even a special product specifically designed to clean corner wood burning stove stoves that is available at a variety of hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove during spring will help stop the buildup of creosote. It is important to clean your stove since creosote may ignite and cause serious fire hazards. You can use a flashlight for a visual inspection of the chimney and flue. If the creosote buildup exceeds than 1/8", you should clean the chimney and flue.

You should make sure that the stove is completely cooling before cleaning the firebox. Next, remove any large ash pieces and dispose of them in a safe manner. Once the ash is removed then you can clean the stove's interior with the wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to scrub the grate, andirons to remove any soot. You can also use a dampened cloth to clean the glass and the firebox.

After you have finished cleaning the firebox, close the flue and seal the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone hold the ladder while you climb up and open the flue, as this can be quite high.

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary for a log-burning stove to function properly and stop smoke from entering the home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the room replacing the old aged air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A properly designed ventilation system will prevent your stove from overheating and creating damage. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been placed in a stack for at least a months and then dried. It will burn longer and more hot than fresh wood. Avoid adding materials made of man-made wood, such as ply, particle boards, and painted wood because they can release toxic gasses and leave traces that could cause a fire in the chimney. Do not add excessive amounts of logs, as they can smother flames, leaving unburned fuel that can cause creosote and smoke.

It is recommended that you open both air vents prior to you light the fire and keep them opened until the flames are fully established. When the flames are established you can close one of the vents slowly until both vents are closed approximately a third of the way. If your fireplace is in a depressurised area, it may be necessary for you to open a door or window slightly to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation. If you're using a wood-burning stove, it's best to combine wood with smokeless fuel briquettes. This will help keep the flames going for a longer period of time and also allow you to add more logs to the fire when it has been established.

If you are planning to install wood-burning stove or moving it to a different location be sure to check with your Local Authority to find out what ventilation requirements it will have to be able to. To meet the requirements, you may need to build an chimney or alter your existing flue. Check with your insurance provider to find out if they require that the work be certified to keep your home's insurance.