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 easy-to-use and provide excellent heat for a room.

The stove's maximum efficiency is attained when it's filled with well-seasoned wood. This means seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut, chopped and stacked over the course of a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves provide an inviting, warm and cost-effective alternative to gas or oil. They are also environmentally friendly as they emit low levels of carbon dioxide and create the natural warmth needed to improve your living space. Before you buy a wood stove, it's important to find out whether you live in an area where there are smoke control laws. This will impact the type of fuels you can put into your stove.

If you do live in a smoke-free zone you should contact your local environmental protection office to find out more about the regulations. You should also make sure that your house is built to accommodate a stove that burns logs. It will require a strong chimney and roof structure. You will also require a large supply of dry logs to fuel your stove. It is best to choose dry, kiln-dried firewood that has an extremely low moisture level or well-seasoned wood because it will have less negative impact on the environment. Green wood has high moisture content, which means that the majority of energy is used to evaporate the water before it generates any heat. Wood that is well-seasoned and kiln-dried will burn hotter and emit less smoke.

The first step is to construct a bed of embers using small twigs or pieces of kindling. Once the tepee arrangement is set, larger logs can then be added. They should be laid out in a crisscross (like a tic-tac-toe game) so that there is enough room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire is established you can shut the primary air intake on the stove and then use the automatic combustion control to feed the logs with a steady stream of oxygen.

The logs need to be seasoned and sized to fit the stove, which will assist with the burning process. It is also a good idea to select only Woodsure approved logs. These logs are dried in kilns and come from sustainable forests.

Lighting a fire

It is essential to ensure that you light the fire correctly in a wood burning stove or any other type of log burner. This will not only improve the efficiency of your stove, but it will also reduce the amount of smoke and creosote that enters your chimney and house. Start by opening the damper - usually a lever near the top of your stove. Once the fire has been established then you can close the damper to control the flow of air and the output of heat.

Gather some small to medium-sized clefts, and make sure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should be below 20%). Place an ember layer on the bottom of your fireplace or log burner, using a handful of pieces of newspaper or another combustible material such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder in tightly, as it will block the flow of oxygen into the fire and can cause it to die. Put a few firelighters that are crisscrossed on the tinder.

Then, put some fine kindling on the top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. You can also add a couple of Eco firelighters at this stage to aid the pieces of kindling to ignite and burn more quickly. Then, you can place a few bigger logs on top of the kindling. It is better to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, rather than leaning against one another. This allows airflow and draught to get to the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particles of matter than the upside-down method. The logs that are on top of the pile heat up faster and supply more oxygen to the flames. This also stops the draught from the logs at bottom of the stack cooling down. This would otherwise slow the ignition and cause smoke. This method will also ensure that you get a full-roaring fire from the beginning, and won't have to wait too long before you are able to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

Clean the fireplace of your log-burning stove on a regular basis. When left unattended an accumulation of ash can impede airflow and cause the fireplace to produce smoke rather than the hot flame. It is therefore important to clean the wood stove regularly. You should ensure that the stove is completely cooling and take out any large ash pieces before you begin cleaning. Also, you should wear gloves, as ash can be extremely hot. You can also put a newspaper sheet on the floor in front of your stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are a variety of ways to clean the glass on your wood burner. Many people just use a sheet of newspaper and rub away the soot however, you can also buy cleaning sprays or even oven cleaner. You can even buy an item specifically designed for cleaning wood woodburning stoves - try these guys - at a majority of hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove in the spring will help prevent creosote buildup. It is crucial to clean your stove as creosote may ignite and pose serious fire dangers. You can also employ a flashlight to examine the chimney and flue for any signs of creosote. If the creosote buildup is greater than 1/8" it is recommended to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, you should first make sure the stove is completely cool. Then, remove all large ash particles and dispose of them in a safe way. After the ash has been removed it is possible to clean the stove's interior by using a wire brush. Wire brushes are a great way to clean the grate, andirons to get rid of any soot. You can also employ a cloth slightly dampened with water to clean 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 the ladder while you climb up the ladder to open the flue. This can be a difficult task.

Ventilation

Ventilation is necessary for a stove with a log burner to function properly and prevent smoke from entering your home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to enter your space, replacing the old, polluted air that would be drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will prevent your stove from overheating and creating damage. All stoves are required to have ventilation.

Start with wood that has been placed in a stack for at least a month and dried. It will burn longer and hotter than fresh wood. Avoid using man-made wood materials such as ply wood, particle boards and painted timber as these can release toxic gases and leave residues in the flue, which can cause a chimney fire. Don't add more than one log at once because they can partially smother the flames and leave unburned fuel that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire it is recommended that both air vents are opened. Keep them open until the flames have been established. When the fire is fully lit and the flames are fully lit, slowly close the vent levers until they are both closed about one third. If your fireplace is in an area with a low pressure it could be necessary for you to open a window or door slightly to ensure that there is enough air circulation. If you have a wood-burning stove wood it is recommended to use a combination of both smokeless fuel and wood briquettes. This will keep the flames burning for longer periods of time and allow you the option to add more logs after the fire is established.

If you are installing a wood burning stove or moving it to a different location make sure you consult your Local Authority to find out the requirements for ventilation they will need to meet. To ensure compliance with the regulations you may have to install a chimney or modify your existing flue. You should also check with your insurer to see if they will require you to get the work approved to maintain your home insurance.