How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are low carbon, renewable heat source that can help the environment. They are simple to use and provide great heating for rooms.

A stove's optimum efficiency is attained when it's stocked with well-seasoned wood. This is usually seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut, chopped and stacked over a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are warmth, comfort and affordable alternative to oil and gas. They also benefit the environment as they provide an energy-efficient heat source and offer the added benefit of enhancing your living space with a stunning natural fire. 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 fuels you can put into your stove.

If you live in a smoke-free zone you should contact the local environmental protection agency to learn more about the rules. It is also important to ensure that your home is able for a stove with a log burner. It will need a sturdy chimney and a roof structure. You will also need a large supply of dry logs to fuel the stove. It is essential to select firewood that has been kiln dried 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 and, as such, a large amount of energy is used to evaporate the water before it generates any heat. A well-seasoned, kiln-dried, and well-seasoned wood will burn hotter and produce less smoke.

The first step is to set an ember bed by using small twigs and pieces of kindling. Once the tepee arrangement is established then larger logs can be added. They should be stacked in a criss-cross fashion (like playing tic-tac-toe) to ensure there is enough space for air flow between the logs. Once the fire has been established it is possible to shut off the primary air intake on the stove and use the "automatic combustion control" to feed the logs with a continuous stream of oxygen.

The logs need to be seasoned, and the dimensions should be matched to your stove. This will help in the process of burning. It is also a great idea to use only Woodsure approved logs. The logs are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forest.

A fire is lit

It is crucial to correctly light a fire in a wood-burning stove or log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of the stove however, it also helps reduce the build-up of smoke and creosote in your chimney and at home. To begin with make sure that the damper is not closed This is usually an open valve or lever close to the top of the stove. Once the fire has been established then you can close the damper to regulate the flow of air and heat output.

Find a few small wood burning stove- to medium-sized clefts and ensure they are dry. (Ideally the moisture content should be below 20%). Put an ember layer on the bottom of your log burner or fireplace using a few pieces of newspaper or any other combustible material such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder tightly because this could impede the flow of oxygen and cause the fire to die. Place a few flames on the top of the tinder, in a crisscross arrangement.

Next, put some pieces of fine kindling over the tinder of the newspaper, leaving enough space for air to circulate. At this stage, you may also add Eco firelighters to help ignite the kindling. Then, put a few larger pieces of wood on the top of the kindling. It is best to lay them flat on the grate or firebed instead of leaning them against one another to help with draught and airflow and allows the flames to reach the logs underneath.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particles of matter than the upside-down method. The logs at the top of the pile get hotter faster and provide more oxygen to the flames. This also prevents the draught of the logs at bottom of the stack cooling down. This could delay the ignition and create smoke. This method also ensures that a full, roaring fire is achieved from the beginning, and you will not need to wait for long to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox of your log burning stove has to be cleaned regularly. If it is not cleaned an accumulation of ash could impede airflow and cause the fireplace to release smoke instead of the hot flame. It is therefore essential to clean the stove on a regular basis. It is important to ensure that the stove is cool and then remove any large pieces of ash prior to you begin cleaning. It is also recommended to wear gloves, since ash is extremely hot. You can also place a newspaper-covered sheet on the floor in front of your stove to stop ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are many ways to clean the glass on your wood burner. A lot of people employ a newspaper sheet and rub the soot away, but you can also buy cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. There's even a product specifically designed to clean wood woodburning stoves that can be purchased at most hardware stores.

It is recommended to clean your stove in the spring, as this can help prevent a buildup of creosote. It is essential to clean your stove since creosote may ignite and pose serious fire dangers. You can use a flashlight to conduct a visual inspection of the chimney and flue. If the amount of creosote buildup is more than 1/8", it's time to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, first make sure the stove is cool. Then, take out the large ash particles, and dispose of them in a secure manner. After the ash has been removed it is possible to clean the inside of the stove by using the wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to clean the grate, irons and remove any soot. You can also employ a cloth slightly dampened by water to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've finished cleaning the firebox, you must close the flue and shut the door of your wood stove. You should ask someone to hold the ladder while you climb the ladder to open the flue. This can be a high place.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a wood burning stove is vital to the operation of the appliance and also to prevent smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the space, replacing the old, stale air that could have been drawn into the stove. A properly 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 dried and stacked for at least six months. It will last longer and heat up faster than fresh wood. Avoid adding substances made of man-made wood like ply, particle boards, and painted wood as they can produce toxic gasses and leave residues which can ignite in the chimney. Do not add excessive amounts of logs, as they will block flames, resulting in unburned fuel that can cause creosote and smoke.

When lighting the fire it is recommended that both air vents be opened. Keep them open until the flames have been established. When the fire is lit and the flames are fully lit, slowly close the vents until they're each closed by about one-third. If your fireplace is situated in an area that is not affixed to pressure, it may be necessary to open a door or window slightly to ensure adequate ventilation. If you are using a stove that burns wood, it's best to combine wood with smokeless fuel briquettes. This will help keep the flames going for a longer time and also allow you to add larger logs to the fire when it is fully established.

Make sure to ask your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. You may have to build a new chimney or alter your existing flue to be in compliance with the regulations. You should also consult your insurer to see if they will require you to have the work certified in order to keep your home insurance.