How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an energy source that is renewable 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 best efficiency of a stove is realized with well-seasoned wood. This is the seasoned horse chestnut, or hawthorn, that is chopped and stored for a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves offer a comfortable, warm and affordable alternative to gas and oil. They are also good for the environment since they provide an energy-efficient heat source and also have the added benefit of enhancing your living space by creating a beautiful natural fire. Before purchasing a wood stove, it's crucial to determine if you live in an area that has smoke control laws. This will affect the type of fuels you can use for your stove.

If you live in a zone of smoke control you should contact your local environmental protection office to find out more about the regulations. Also, you should ensure that your house is built to accommodate a stove that burns logs. It will need a strong chimney and roof structure. In addition to this you must have plenty of dry logs to use for the stove. It is best to choose kiln-dried firewood with an extremely low moisture level or well-seasoned wood since it will have a less negative impact on the environment. Green wood has high moisture content which means a large amount of energy is required to evaporate the water before it can generate any heat. A well-seasoned, kiln dried and well-seasoned wood will burn more hot, and with less smoke emissions.

The first step is to build a bed of embers using small twigs or pieces of kindling. Once the tepee layout has been established, larger logs can then be added. They should be placed in a criss-cross (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 use the automatic combustion control to provide the logs with oxygen.

The logs must be seasoned and cut to fit the stove fireplace, which will assist in the process of burning. It is also a great idea to select only Woodsure approved logs. The logs are kiln dried and come from sustainable forests.

A fire is lit

It is important to properly light a fire in a wood-burning stove or any other type of log burner. Not only does this improve the efficiency of the stove, but it also reduces creosote and smoke build-up in your chimney and home. First make sure that the damper is opened This is usually an open valve or lever near the top of the stove. Once the fire has been established and the damper is closed, you can shut it to control the flow of air and heat output.

To get started start, gather a few small to medium-sized Cleft logs and ensure they are dry (ideally with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent). Place a layer of tinder on the base of your log burner or fireplace using a few pieces of newspaper or other combustible material such as cardboard. Do not pack the tinder in a tight manner as this can restrict the flow of oxygen and cause the fire to go out. Put a few firelighters on top of the tinder in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, place a few pieces of fine-knitted kindling over the newspaper tinder, again leaving space for air to circulate. You can also add a couple of Eco firelighters at this stage to aid the pieces of tinder to ignite and burn faster. Then, put several 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 against each other. This allows for airflow and draughts to reach the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and generates more particulate matter than the upside-down method. This is because the woods at the top of the stack get hotter faster, bringing more oxygen to the flames below. This also prevents the draught of the wood at bottom of the stack cooling down. This could slow the ignition process and cause smoke. This will also ensure that you get a full-roaring fire from the very beginning, and won't have to wait long before you can enjoy your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

Clean the firebox of your stove on a regular basis. When left unattended the accumulation of ash could impede airflow and cause the fireplace to produce smoke instead of an intense flame. Therefore, it is essential to clean the stove regularly. You should ensure that the stove has cooled and remove any large pieces of ash prior to you begin cleaning. Also, you should wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. It is also recommended to put a newspaper sheet on the ground in front of your stove to stop ashes from falling onto your carpet.

There are a variety of ways to clean the glass on your wood burner. Many people just employ a newspaper sheet and rub the soot off, but you can also purchase cleaning sprays or even oven cleaner. There's even a product made specifically for cleaning wood stoves that can be purchased at most hardware stores.

It is a good idea to clean your stove during the spring, as this will stop the accumulation of creosote. Creosote is flammable and can cause serious fire hazards, therefore it is important to keep your stove clean. You can also use a flashlight to inspect the chimney and flue for any signs of creosote. If the amount of creosote buildup is more than 1/8" then it's time to clean the flue and chimney.

To clean the firebox, first ensure that the stove is fully cool. Then, take out any large ash particles and eliminate them in a secure manner. After you have removed the ash you can use a wire bristle to clean the inside of your stove. You should also scrub the grate and andirons with the help of a wire brush to eliminate any buildup of soot. You can also employ a cloth slightly dampened with water to scrub the glass and firebox.

After you have finished cleaning the firebox, you should close the flue and seal the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone else hold the ladder while you climb up and open the flue, since it is high up.

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 space and replace the old aged air that would otherwise been drawn into the stove. Good ventilation will prevent your stove from overheating, which can cause damage and decrease its effectiveness. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

To get the most out of your fireplace Start with well-seasoned wood that has been dried and stacked for at least six months. It will burn longer and more hot than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made wood materials like ply wood, particle boards, and painted timber because they can produce toxic gases and leave traces in the flue that can cause a chimney fire. Don't add too many logs at a time because they can partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned which can create lots of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents prior to lighting the fire, and keep them open until the flames have been established. When the fire is lit and the flames are fully lit, slowly close the air vents until they're completely closed, about one third. If your fireplace is located in an area that is not able to be regulated, it may be necessary for you to open a door or window slightly to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation. If you are using a stove that burns wood is best to combine the wood with briquettes of multi fuel stoves that are smokeless. This will keep the flames burning for longer periods of time and also allow you to add larger logs once the fire has been established.

Make sure to ask your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if you are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. To comply with the regulations it is possible to build a chimney or change your existing flue. Check with your insurance company to find out if they require that the work be approved to ensure your home's insurance.