How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are an eco-friendly source of heat that is low in carbon and great for the environment. They are simple to use and provide excellent heating for a room.

A stove's optimum efficiency is achieved when it is filled with well-seasoned wood. This can be accomplished by using seasoned hawthorn, or horse chestnut, cut and stacked over the course of a year.

Burning logs

Log burning woodburning stoves are warmth, comfort and affordable alternative to gas or oil. They also are beneficial for the environment since they provide a low carbon heat and have the added benefit of enriching your living space with a stunning natural fire. However, before you buy a wood burner, it is vital to know if you live in a smoke control area since this could affect the type of 5kw multi fuel stove you can burn in your stove.

You should contact your local environmental protection office to find out more about the rules if you live in a smoke-control area. You should also make sure that your home is able 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 the stove. It is crucial to use kiln dried firewood with a low moisture content, or well-seasoned wood, since it will have less of an impact on the environment than green wood. Green wood has high moisture content and, as such, an enormous amount of energy is required 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 build a bed of embers by using small twigs or pieces of tinder. When the tepee-like arrangement is gaining traction, the larger logs can be added. They should be placed criss-cross (like a game of tic-tac toe) so there is enough space for air flow between the logs. Once the fire is established, you can use the automatic control for combustion to supply the logs with oxygen.

The logs must be dried and sized to fit the stove, Contemporary wood burning stoves which will help in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to use only Woodsure approved logs, which are kiln dried and sourced from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is important to properly light a fire in a wood-burning stove, or log burner. This will not only improve the efficiency of your stove, but will also reduce smoke and creosote in your chimney and house. To begin, make sure the damper is opened - this is usually a lever or valve at the top of the stove. Once the fire is established, you can close this to control the flow of air and the output of heat.

To get started start, gather a few small to medium sized cut logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with a moisture content below 20%). Use a handful or newspaper or any other combustible material such as cardboard to make the tinder to the base of your log burner or fireplace. Don't pack the tinder tightly, as this can restrict the flow of oxygen to the electric fire stove and could cause it to die. Place a few flames on top of the tinder in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, sprinkle a few pieces of fine kindling on top of the newspaper tinder, leaving space for air to circulate. You could also include a couple of Eco firelighters at this stage to aid the pieces of kindling to ignite and burn more quickly. Then, place a few larger logs on top of the kindling. It is recommended to lay them flat on the grate or firebed instead of leaning them against each other to help with draught and airflow and allows the flames to penetrate the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as efficient and produces more particulate matter than the upside-down method. This is because the woods at the top of the stack heat up faster, supplying 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 and cause smoke. This method also ensures that you get a full-roaring fire from the beginning and won't need to wait long before you are able to enjoy your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

It is recommended to clean the firebox of your log-burning stove on a regular basis. When left unattended, a buildup of ash could impede airflow and cause the fireplace to emit smoke instead of the hot flame. This is especially dangerous, so it is vital to clean your wood stove regularly. It is important to ensure that the stove is cooled and remove any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash is extremely hot. You can also put an old newspaper on the floor in front of your stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

There are several ways to clean the glass of your wood burner. You can use a piece newspaper to scrub away the soot, or you can buy cleaning sprays or oven cleaner. You can even purchase products specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves in most hardware shops.

Cleaning your stove in the spring will keep away the buildup of creosote. Creosote is flammable, and could cause serious fire hazards, therefore it is important to keep your stove clean. You can use a flashlight to make a visual inspection of the chimney and flue. If the accumulation of creosote is greater than 1/8", it's time to clean the chimney and flue.

To clean the firebox, first ensure that the stove is completely cool. Next, remove any large pieces of ash and dispose of them in a safe manner. Once the ash has been removed it is possible to clean the inside of the stove with a wire brush. Wire brushes are a great way to clean the grate, irons and remove any soot. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned your firebox, close the flue and close the door of your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone hold the ladder as 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 as well as to stop smoke from entering your home. Ventilation also allows fresh air to circulate through your home, replacing the old, polluted air that would be drawn into the stove. Good ventilation will prevent your stove from overheating which could cause damage to it and lower its effectiveness. Ventilation is also an obligation of law for all stoves.

To maximize the performance of your log stove, start with well-seasoned wood that has been stacked and dried for at least six months. It will burn more hot and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding man-made contemporary wood burning stoves - Read A lot more - products like ply wood particle boards and painted timber as these can release toxic gases and leave traces in the flue that can cause a chimney fire. Don't add too many logs at once because they can partially smother the flames and leave fuel unburned which could cause lots 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 then slowly close the air vents until they're completely 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. If you have a wood-burning stove, it is best to mix both smokeless 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.

Find out from your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if you are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. To ensure compliance with the regulations, you may need to construct an chimney or alter your existing flue. Check with your insurance company to see if it will require that the work be inspected to ensure the insurance coverage of your home.