How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners produce low carbon, renewable heat and benefit the environment. They are easy-to-use and provide excellent heat for a room.

The highest efficiency of a stove is achieved when it is filled with well-seasoned wood. This is usually seasoned hawthorn or horse chestnut that has been chopped and stacked over a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves provide an inviting, warm and economical alternative to oil and gas. They also benefit the environment since they provide low carbon heating and offer the added benefit of enhancing your living space by creating a beautiful natural flame. Before you buy a wood stove, it's crucial to determine whether you live in a place that has smoke control laws. This will impact the kind of fuel you can put into your stove.

Contact your local environmental protection office to find out more about the rules for those who reside in a smoke-control zone. You should also make sure that your home is able to house a log-burning stove. It will need a strong chimney and roof structure. In addition, you will need to have plenty of dry logs for your stove. It is essential to select kiln dried firewood with a low moisture content, or well-seasoned wood, as it will have less of an impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has high moisture content, which means that the majority of energy is used to evaporate the water before it can generate any heat. A well-seasoned, kiln-dried, and well-seasoned wood will burn hotter and produce less smoke.

The first step is building a bed of embers using small twigs or pieces of kindling. Once the tepee layout is established, larger logs can then be added. They should be stacked in a criss-cross fashion (like playing tic-tac-toe) so there is enough space for airflow between the logs. Once the fire has been established it is possible to shut off the main air intake on the stove and then use the 'automatic combustion control' to feed the logs with a constant flow of oxygen.

The logs need to be seasoned and the dimensions should be matched to your stove. This will aid in the process of burning. It is recommended to only use Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and come from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is crucial to ensure that you light the fire correctly in a wood stove or other log burner. This will not only improve the efficiency of your stove, but it will also reduce the amount of smoke and creosote in your chimney and house. First ensure that the damper is opened This is usually an open valve or lever close to the top of the stove. After the fire has been established then you can close the valve to control the flow of air and the output of heat powered wood stove fan.

Gather some small to medium-sized clefts and make sure they are dry. (Ideally, the moisture content should not exceed 20 percent). Place an ember layer on the base of your log burner or fireplace using a handful of pieces of newspaper or other materials that are combustible, such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder in a tight manner because this could impede oxygen flow and cause the fire to die. Place a few firelighters on the top of the tinder in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, add some finely seasoned kindling on the top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. You can also add a few Eco firelighters at this point to aid the pieces of kindling to ignite and burn more quickly. Then, you can place a few larger pieces of wood on top of the kindling. It is recommended to lay these flat on the grate or firebed rather than leaning them against one another as this helps with airflow and draught, and allows the flames to reach the logs underneath.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and generates more particulate matter than the upside-down method. This is due to the fact that the logs at the top of the stack heat up faster, providing more oxygen to the flames below. This also stops the draughts from the lowermost logs of the stack from cooling down which could slow the ignition and cause the fire to smoke. This method also ensures that a full, roaring fire is achieved from the beginning and you won't have to wait long before enjoying your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox of your log burning stove needs to be regularly cleaned. When left unattended the accumulation of ash can impede airflow and cause the fireplace to emit smoke rather than a hot flame. This could be extremely dangerous, so it is important to keep your wood stove clean. You should ensure that the stove has cool and then remove any large pieces of ash prior to you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. It is also recommended that you place a newspaper-covered sheet on the ground in front of your stove to prevent the ashes from falling on your carpet.

When cleaning the glass in your wood burner There are a variety of methods to choose from. You can use a piece of newspaper to scrub away the soot, but you can purchase oven cleaner or cleaning sprays. You can even buy an item specifically designed to clean wood stoves in most hardware shops.

It is recommended to clean your stove in the spring, as this will help to stop the accumulation of creosote. Creosote is flammable and can cause serious fire hazards, so it is important to keep your stove clean. You can also use a flashlight to inspect the flue and chimney for any signs of creosote. If the accumulation of creosote is greater than 1/8", it's time to clean the chimney and flue.

You should make sure that the stove has cool before cleaning the firebox. Then, remove any large ash particles and eliminate them in a safe manner. After the ash has been removed it is possible to clean the inside of the stove using the wire brush. It is also recommended to scrub the grate and andirons using a wire brush to remove any soot buildup. You can also use a dampened cloth to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned the firebox, close the flue, and close the door to your wood stove. You should have someone hold your ladder as you climb up to open the flue. This can be a difficult task.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for a stove that burns wood to function properly and prevent smoke from entering the home. Ventilation allows for fresh air to enter the room replacing the old aged air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. A good ventilation system will keep your stove from overheating and causing damage. Ventilation is also a legal requirement for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been stored for at least six month and dried. It will burn more hot and longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding substances made of man-made wood such as ply, particle boards, and painted wood because they can produce toxic gasses and leave behind residues that can cause a fire in the chimney. Don't pile on excessive amounts of logs, as this will partially block flames, resulting in unburned fuel that could cause smoke and creosote.

It is recommended that you open both air vents when lighting the fire and 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 situated in an area that is not affixed to pressure, it may be necessary to open a door or window slightly to allow adequate ventilation. When using a wood-burning stove, it's best to combine the wood with smokeless fuel briquettes. This will keep the flames burning for a longer time and allow you the option to add more logs after the fire is established.

Make sure to ask your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. To ensure compliance with the regulations, you may need to install a chimney or change your existing flue. Contact your insurance company to find out if they require that the work be certified to ensure your home's insurance.