How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners provide a low carbon, renewable heat and improve the environment. They are easy to operate 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, chopped and stacked over a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a great option for homes with a variety of rooms and provide warmth, comfort and an economical alternative to gas and oil. They are also green as they emit low levels of carbon dioxide as well as provide the natural warmth needed to improve your living space. Before purchasing a wood stove, it is important to find out whether you live in a place where there are smoke control laws. This will impact the kind of fuel you can put into your stove.

It is recommended to contact the local environmental protection office for more information on the rules if you reside in a smoke-control zone. You should also make sure that your home is able for a stove with a log burner. It will require an enduring chimney and a roof structure. In addition to this you must have plenty of dry logs to use for the stove. It is best to use kiln-dried firewood with low moisture levels or well-seasoned wood as it has a lower negative impact on the environment. Green wood is rich in moisture, and it takes a lot of energy to evaporate the water. Wood that is well-seasoned and kiln-dried will burn hotter and produce less smoke.

The first step is building an ember-filled bed by using small twigs or pieces of kindling. Once the tepee-like arrangement is gaining traction, 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 air flow between the logs. Once the fire is set it is possible to shut off the air intake on the stove and use the automatic combustion control to supply the logs with a constant flow of oxygen.

The logs must be dried and seasoned, and the size should be in line with the stove you are using. This will help in the burning process. It is also a good idea to use only Woodsure approved logs that are kiln-dried and come from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is important to properly light the fire in a wood-burning stove or log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove, but it also reduces the build-up of smoke and creosote in your chimney and at home. First make sure that the damper is open It is typically an open valve or lever at the top of the stove. Once the fire is established and the damper is closed, you can shut it to control the airflow and the heat output.

To get started Begin by gathering small wood burning stove to medium-sized Cleft logs and ensure they are dry (ideally with less than 20 percent moisture%). Put the tinder layer to the base of your fireplace or log burner, using a handful of pieces of newspaper or other materials that are combustible, such as cardboard. Don't pack the tinder in tightly, as this restricts the flow of oxygen into the fire and can cause it to die. Place a few flames on the top of the tinder, in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, sprinkle a few pieces of fine kindling on top of the newspaper tinder, leaving enough space for air to circulate. At this point you may also add Eco firelighters to help ignite the kindling. Then put a few larger logs on the top of the kindling. It is best to lay these flat on the firebed or grate rather than leaning them against each other as this helps with airflow and draught and allows the flames to reach the logs beneath.

The upside down fire-lighting method is more efficient and produces less emissions of particulate matter than the traditional method of lighting the fire. The logs on top of the pile are heated faster and supply more oxygen to the flames. It also prevents the draughts from the lowermost logs of the stack from cooling down which could slow ignition and cause the fire to go out of control. This method also ensures that you have a full-throttle fire from the beginning, and won't have to wait for too long before you can enjoy your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

Clean the fireplace of your log-burning stove regularly. If it is not cleaned the accumulation of ash can impede airflow and cause the fireplace to produce smoke rather than an intense flame. This could be extremely dangerous, which is why it's important to clean your wood stove regularly. It is important to ensure that the stove is cooling and take out any large ash pieces before you begin cleaning. It is also recommended to wear gloves, because ash can be extremely hot. You can also place an old newspaper on the floor in front of your stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

When it comes to cleaning the glass in your wood stove, there are a number of different methods available. Many people simply employ a newspaper sheet and rub the soot away but you can also buy cleaning sprays or even oven cleaner. There is even a special product specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves. It is available at a variety of hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove during spring will help stop the buildup of creosote. Creosote is flammable, and could cause serious fire hazards, therefore it is important to keep your stove clean. You can also employ a flashlight to examine the flue and chimney for any indication of creosote. If the amount of creosote buildup is more than 1/8" is the time to clean the flue and chimney.

To clean the firebox, you should first make sure the stove is cool. Next, remove any large ash pieces and dispose of them in a safe manner. After you have removed the ash you can employ a wire bristle clean the interior of your stove. It is also recommended to scrub the grate and andirons with the help of a wire brush to eliminate any buildup of soot. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened with water to scrub the glass and firebox.

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

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for a log-burning stove to function properly and stop smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to flow into the room, replacing the old, stale air that would otherwise been drawn into the stove. A properly designed ventilation system will keep your stove from overheating and causing damage. Ventilation is also an obligation of law for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been stored for at least six months and dried. It will last longer and heat up faster than fresh wood. Avoid using man-made wood materials like ply wood, particle boards and painted timber because they can produce toxic gasses and leave residues in my area the flue, which can cause an explosion in the chimney. Don't add more than one log at a time since they could partially block the flames and leave fuel unburned that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire, it is recommended that both air vents be opened. Keep them open until the flames are established. When the fire is fully lit, slowly close the air vents until they are each closed by about one-third. If your fireplace is situated in a space that is depressurized, it is possible to open a door or window slightly to ensure adequate ventilation. If you have a wood burning stove it is recommended to use a combination of both wood and smokeless fuel briquettes. This will allow the flames to burn for longer periods of time and give you the ability to add larger logs once the fire is established.