The Benefits of Log Burning Fires

Log burners are more efficient in energy use and can reduce costs for energy. When burning correctly they also produce less smoke than an open fire.

Begin with a basket of dried and kiln-dried logs (or home-seasoned wood) and some great kindling. Twisted newspaper, foraged twigs, branches and sticks make great kindling.

1. Warmth and cosiness

A log burning fire is the ideal method to heat your home in a safe, natural, cost-effective and eco-friendly way. In fact, it has been proven that cheap log burners burners emit less carbon dioxide than gas fires and are up to three times more efficient than an open fire.

It is crucial that your logs are properly seasoned and dried in order to get the most benefit of your log burner. Dry wood will burn faster and produce less smoke and creosote. It also generates lots of heat and require less space in your fireplace. When preparing your firewood, be aware of how the wood sounds when two pieces are smacked together. Wood that is damp will produce an eerie sound, while dry logs will crackle and snap. Another indicator of whether your logs are seasoned enough is whether the bark has started to flake off; this indicates that they are ready for use in your stove.

It is important to begin your fire in a log burner by laying the tinder or burning. This will allow the fire to roar and create a beautiful glowing atmosphere. Then, add larger logs to the top. Be careful not to add a large number of logs at one time because this could cause the flames to become smothered. Start adding larger logs slowly as the smaller ones start to burn. Make use of your fire poker to poke around the stack to encourage airflow.

Don't forget to add an Eco firelighter. The flames from the lighter will ignite dry kindling and tinder to assist in getting your fire going!

If you don't have the time or space to season and store your own logs, it's worth considering a multifuel stove. You can use DEFRA-approved smokeless fuel, such as anthracite or seasoned logs. This will lower emissions and make the stove more efficient. Check if you are in a Smoke Control Area first before buying an appliance for burning logs. You may only be allowed to burn DEFRA approved fuel on your property.

2. Relaxation and Meditation

A log fire has been shown to reduce blood pressure, stress and help relax in numerous studies. In addition, the crackling, popping and splashing sounds of a flashing wood-burner are soothing to the ears. They have an almost like a hypnotic experience. This calming sensation can also enhance your sleep quality, so that you get up refreshed and energized.

It can be hypnotic gaze into the flames, whether you are at home with a log fire or out camping in the wild. Watching them burn or snap and then wax and wane in a meditative manner is hypnotic. It's also a great tool for mindfulness meditation. Simply lie down, unwind and pay attention to your breathing as well as the hypnotic flames and the off-rhythm crackling noise of the burning embers.

The calming scent of burning wood and the calming sound of a log fire can provide a relaxing effect. It can make you feel more connected to nature, and may even help you to feel those positive vibrations we often talk about in the present. It can also create a calm and peaceful ambience in your home.

In reality, if you have a quality pair of earbuds, or speakers, an energizing fire with a beautiful crackling sound in HD quality can be an amazing background to listen to calming music or meditation. Try our YouTube video with softly rumbling fire sounds (Relaxing Fireplace Sounds). It was shot closer to the end of the fire when there are just few embers left, which means it's not overly loud, but still has a relaxing sound that soothes your senses. This will help you relax after a stressful, long day and fall asleep better at the end of the day.

3. Aesthetics

Log fires emit a mesmerising, delicate glowing glow that is extremely pleasing to the eyes. The crackle and snapping sound of the wood can create a calming and soothing ambience which is perfect to relax before the fire on a cold winter night. The warm and cozy feel generated by the fire can make your home feel welcoming and warm and can boost your mood.

Install a log burner fan burner in your home to improve the aesthetics. It will help distribute heat across the room, rather than just around the stove. The fans are designed to improve the flow of air and increase heat projection and allow you to get the most from your log stove.

If you own an old-fashioned log burner it is essential to keep up with regular maintenance to keep it from developing creosote build-up in the chimney, which is very difficult and time consuming to clean out. Electric log burners are much simpler to maintain.

A flue thermometer can be used along with your log burner in order to ensure that the fire is burning at a proper temperature, not too low or high. This will help you save money on firewood, and also reduce the amount of wood that is pushed up the chimney.

If you're looking to get the most out of your log stove and maximize its efficiency, investing in a stove fan as well as a flue thermometer, and a pair of gloves for your log burner is a great idea. The gloves come with long, protective cuffs so that you can open your log burner door without risking burning yourself. You can also adjust the logs on your stove to ensure they don't get too hot or fall over. You can find all of these essential components for your log burner at Trade Price Flues. They carry an extensive selection of top-quality log burners.

4. Cooking

Wood-fired ovens were created to heat homes, but can also be used to cook. It is possible to bake, cook, and even make beer on the flame of a log, and when you have the right fuel (wood) then you can create a whole variety of foods with a distinct smokey flavor.

Many people find that log burning stoves offer them more than just warmth and cozy atmosphere. They also make the kitchen and living space more functional, providing the perfect focal point for your home, where you can sit and relax. Log burning stoves work well for this kind of cooking, because they can accommodate large pans or casserole dishes and also provide a fantastic heat source.

However, you must be aware that not all log burners are suitable for multifuel cooking as they're typically fitted with grates that are only designed to use wood for cooking. In these situations it is recommended to use a specialist multifuel log burner that is specifically designed to handle the varying characteristics of various types of fuel.

A good tip is to always use dry wood. This can reduce energy costs and makes your fire more efficient. The presence of moisture in wood can lead to a host of problems, including the heating of air in excess and emissions of unburned volatile substances and can impact the efficiency of the chimney, meaning that you could be paying more for your heating than you need to be.

It is crucial to properly dry your wood prior to burning it, too. This will help the logs burn more efficiently, and prevent water from escaping the chimney which can cause corrosion and dampness. The logs can be dried out in a garage or shed for a period of two to three years. This simple method will save you money and improve the output of your stove.

When you're putting up a fire in your log burning stove, only add small logs initially, to allow the flames to settle and become established. The addition of too many large logs can cause smoke and creosote build up. It is recommended to keep the stove's door shut as much as you can, as opening it regularly could cause loss of heat, which can result in an unintentionally cooler fire that has less effectiveness.