How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

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

The best efficiency of a stove is achieved by using wood that is well-seasoned. This means seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut, cut and stacked over the course of a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves offer warmth, comfort and affordable alternative to oil and gas. They are also green as they emit low levels of carbon dioxide and provide the natural warmth needed to improve your living space. Before buying a wood stove, it's important to find out if you live in a place that has smoke control laws. This will affect the type of fuel you can use in your stove.

If you are in a zone of smoke control you should contact the local environmental protection office to find out more information about the regulations. Also, you should ensure that your house is suitable for a log burning stove as it will need to have a sturdy chimney and a sufficient roof structure. You will also need an abundance of dry logs to fuel the stove. It is crucial to use kiln dried firewood that has a low moisture content, or well-seasoned wood as it will have less impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has a high moisture content, which means that a large amount of energy is used to evaporate the water before it is able to generate any heat. Well-seasoned and kiln dried wood will burn hotter, with less smoke emissions.

The first step is to construct a bed of embers using 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 fashion (like a game of tic-tac toe) so there is enough space for airflow between the logs. After the fire has been established it is possible to use the automatic control for combustion to provide the logs 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 only use Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and come from sustainable forests.

Lighting a fire

It is crucial to properly light a fire in a wood burning woodburning stove, or any other type of log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of the stove and reduces smoke and creosote build-up within your chimney and in your home. Begin by releasing 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.

Take a few small to medium-sized clefts, and make sure they are dry. (Ideally you want the moisture content should not exceed 20%). Add a layer of tinder on the bottom of your fireplace or log burner, using a handful of pieces of newspaper or other materials that are combustible, such as cardboard. Do not pack the tinder tightly, as this can restrict the flow of oxygen into the fire and could cause it to die. Place a few firelighters on top of the tinder in a criss-cross arrangement.

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 in this stage to aid the pieces of tinder to ignite and burn more quickly. Then put a few larger logs on the top of the fire. It is best to lay these flat on the firebed or grate rather than leaning them against each other to help with draught and airflow and allows the fire to penetrate the logs below.

The upside down method of lighting a fire is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional way of lighting the fire. This is because the woods at the top of the stack heat up faster, bringing more oxygen to the flames below. This also prevents 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 starts right from the beginning and you won't have to wait long to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

You should clean the firebox of your log-burning stove on a regular basis. If left unattended, a accumulation of dust can impede airflow, which can cause the fireplace to release more smoke than a burning fire. It is therefore essential to clean your wood stove on a regular basis. You should ensure that the stove is cool and then remove any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash is extremely hot. You can also place a newspaper-covered sheet on the floor in front of your stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

When cleaning the glass in your wood burner, there are a number of different options available. You can use a piece newspaper to rub off the soot, but you can also purchase cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. You can also purchase products specifically designed to clean wood stoves in most hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove during spring will stop the buildup of creosote. It is essential to clean your stove as creosote can be flammable and pose serious fire dangers. You can use a flashlight to conduct an inspection of the flue and chimney. If the accumulation of creosote is greater than 1/8" is the time to clean the chimney and flue.

You must ensure that the stove has cooling before cleaning the firebox. Then, take out any large ash particles and eliminate them in a secure manner. Once the ash is removed then you can clean the stove's interior by using the wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to clean the grate, irons and remove any soot. You can also use a dampened cloth to clean the glass and firebox.

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

Ventilation

Ventilation in a log-burning stove is essential for the efficiency of the appliance and to keep smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to enter the room replacing the old, stale air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will stop your stove from overheating which could damage it and reduce its effectiveness. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been stacked for at least six months 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 traces in the flue that could ignite a chimney fire. Don't add excessive amounts of logs, as they will smother flames, leaving unburned fuel, which could cause creosote and smoke.

It is recommended to open both air vents when lighting the fire, and remain open until flames are established. Once the flames are fully established you can close one of the air vents slowly until both vents are closed about a third of way. If your fireplace is in a space that is depressurized, it might be necessary to open a window or door to let in sufficient air. When using a wood-burning stove, it's best to combine the wood with briquettes of fuel that are smokeless. This will help to keep the flames burning for a longer time and allow you to add more logs to the fire when it is fully established.

If you are installing wood-burning stove or relocating it be sure to make sure you contact your Local Authority to find out what requirements for ventilation they will need to meet. To ensure compliance with the regulations, you may need to construct a chimney or modify your existing flue. It is also advisable to check with your insurer to see if they will require that you have the work approved to maintain your home insurance.