How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an eco-friendly source of heat that is low in carbon and great for the environment. They are easy-to-use and provide an excellent heating source for a room.

The most efficient performance of a stove is realized with well-seasoned wood. This is usually seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut, cut and stacked over a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves provide an inviting, warm and affordable alternative to gas or oil. They are also good for the environment since they provide low carbon heating and have the added benefit of enriching your living space by creating an attractive natural fire. But, before purchasing a wood stove, it is vital to know if you reside in a smoke-free area since this could affect the kind of fuel you can use in your stove.

If you are in a zone of smoke control it is recommended to contact the local environmental protection office to learn more about the rules. You should also make sure that your house is built to accommodate a stove that burns logs. It will need a strong chimney and roof structure. You will also need plenty of dry logs to fuel the stove. It is best to choose kiln-dried firewood with an extremely low moisture level or well-seasoned wood as it will have a less negative impact on the environment. Green wood is rich in moisture, so it takes a lot of energy to evaporate the water. Well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood will burn hotter and produce less smoke.

The first step is to build up a bed of embers with twigs that are small and pieces of kindling. When the tepee-like arrangement is gaining traction, the larger logs can be added. They should be placed criss-cross (like a game of tic-tac toe) so there is enough space for air flow between the logs. Once the fire is established, you can use the automatic control of combustion to provide the logs oxygen.

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

The lighting of a fire

It is important to ensure that you light the fire correctly in a wood burning stove, or any other type of log burner. Not only does this improve the efficiency of the stove however, it also helps reduce creosote and smoke build-up within your chimney and in your home. Begin by releasing the damper - typically a lever located near the top of your stove. After the fire is established and the damper is closed, you can shut it to regulate the flow of air and the output of heat.

To begin, gather some small to medium-sized cut logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with a moisture content below 20%). Make use of a handful of newspaper or other combustible material like cardboard to create a layer of tinder at the base of your log burner or fireplace. Don't pack the tinder in tightly, as it will block the flow of oxygen to the fire and could cause it to die. Place a few firelighters on top of the tinder in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, add some fine kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Again, leave space for air circulation. You could also add a few Eco firelighters at this stage to aid the pieces of tinder to get ignited and burn more quickly. Then, you can place a few bigger logs on the top of the kindling. It is best to lay them flat on the firebed or grate instead of leaning them against one another to help with airflow and draught and allows the flames to penetrate the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and produces more particles of matter than the upside-down method. The logs that are on top of the pile get hotter faster and add more oxygen to the flames. This also stops the draught from the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling down. This could slow the ignition process and cause smoke. This technique also ensures a full, roaring fire starts right from the beginning, and you will not be waiting for long before you can enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

You should clean the firebox of your log-burning stove regularly. If left unattended, a accumulation of dust can impede airflow, causing the fireplace to emit more smoke than a fire that is hot. It is therefore important to clean the wood stove regularly. When it is time to clean it, you should make sure your stove is completely cool and take out any large pieces of ash prior to when you begin cleaning. You should also wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. It is also recommended that you place a sheet of newspaper on the ground in front of the stove to stop ashes from falling onto your carpet.

When it comes to cleaning the glass inside your wood stove, there are a number of methods to choose from. Many people just employ a newspaper sheet and rub the soot away but you can also purchase cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. There is even a special product specifically designed to clean wood stoves that is available at a variety of hardware stores.

It is a good idea to clean your stove during the spring months, as this can help stop the buildup of creosote. Creosote is flammable and can cause serious fire hazards, therefore it is crucial to keep your stove clean. You can use a flashlight for a visual inspection of the chimney and flue. If the creosote buildup is greater than 1/8" it is recommended to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, first ensure that the stove is completely cool. Then, you should remove the large ash particles, and eliminate them in a safe manner. After the ash has been removed then you can clean the inside of the stove using the wire brush. It is also recommended to scrub the grate and andirons using a wire brush to remove any buildup of soot. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the glass and the firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox you should close the flue and close the door of your wood stove. You should ask someone to hold the ladder while you climb up to open the flue. This can be a high spot.

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary for a stove that burns wood to function properly and stop smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to enter the space, replacing the old, stale air that would otherwise been drawn into the stove. A well-designed ventilation system will keep your stove from overheating and damaging the stove. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

To make the most of your log stove Start with well-seasoned wood that has been stacked and dried for at least six months. It will burn hotter and 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 can cause a chimney fire. Don't add too many logs at once, as they will partially smother the flames and leave unburned fuel which could cause lots of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire, it is recommended that both air vents are open. Keep them open until the flames are established. Once the fire is fully lit and the flames are fully lit, slowly close the vents until they are 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 window or door slightly to ensure there is enough air circulation. If you have a wood burning stove for sale 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 a wood burning stove or changing its location be sure to make sure you contact your Local Authority to find out what requirements for ventilation it must be able to. It could be necessary to install a new chimney or modify your existing flue to comply with the regulations. You should also consult your insurance company to determine if they will require that you have the work approved to maintain your home insurance.