15 Inspiring Facts About Log Burning Stove The Words You've Never Lear…

How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are a renewable source of heat that is low in carbon and good for the environment. They are simple to use and provide great heat for rooms.

The highest efficiency of a stove is when it is filled with well-seasoned wood. This is the seasoned horse chestnut, or hawthorn, which has been cut and stacked for a period of time.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are a great option for homes with a variety of rooms and offer warmth, comfort and an economical alternative to gas and oil. They also benefit the environment as they provide an energy-efficient heat source and have the added benefit of enhancing your living space with a stunning natural flame. However, before you buy a wood stove, it is important to check whether you reside in a smoke-free zone as this can affect the type of fuel you can use in your electric stove fire.

If you are in a smoke-free zone you should contact your local environmental protection office to find out more information about the rules. It is also important to ensure that your home is suitable for a log burning stove since it will require to have a robust chimney and a suitable roof structure. In addition to this you must have plenty of dry logs for your stove. It is crucial 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 is high in moisture, which means it requires a lot energy to evaporate the water. Well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood will burn hotter and emit less smoke.

The first step is building an ember bed with small twigs, or pieces of kindling. After the tepee arrangement is established the larger logs can be added. They should be laid out in a crisscross (like a tic-tac-toe board) to ensure that there is plenty of room for air to flow between the logs. Once the fire has been established, you can use the automatic control for combustion to supply the logs with oxygen.

The logs should be seasoned, and the dimensions should be matched to your stove. This will help in the process of burning. It is also a good idea to select only Woodsure approved logs. These logs are dried in kilns and come from sustainable forests.

A fire is lit

It is essential to correctly light the fire in a wood-burning stove or log burner. This not only increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces smoke and creosote build-up within your chimney and in your home. First ensure that the damper is not closed It is typically a valve or lever located close to the top of the stove. Once the fire is set it is possible to close the damper to regulate the flow of air and heat output.

To get started start, gather a few small to medium sized cleft logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with less than 20 percent moisture percent). Place the tinder layer to the bottom of your log burner or fireplace using a handful of pieces of newspaper or another combustible material such as cardboard. Do not pack the tinder in a tight manner as this can restrict oxygen flow and cause the fire to die. Place a few firelighters on top of the tinder in a crisscross arrangement.

Then, put some fine kindling on top of the newspaper tinder. Also, leave enough space for air circulation. At this point, you can also add Eco firelighters to help the kindling ignite. Then, place a few larger logs on top of the kindling. It is better to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, rather than leaning against one another. This allows for airflow and draughts to reach the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is not as 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, supplying more oxygen to the flames below. This also stops the draught from the logs at the bottom of the stack from cooling down. This could slow the ignition and cause smoke. This method will also ensure that you get a full-roaring fire from the beginning, and won't have to wait for too long before you are able to enjoy your warm stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox in your log burning stove needs to be maintained regularly. When left unattended the accumulation of ash could impede airflow and cause the fireplace to produce smoke rather than an intense flame. This can be particularly dangerous, which is why it's essential to clean your wood stove on a regular basis. You should ensure that the stove is cool and then remove any large ash pieces before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves as ash can be extremely hot. It is also recommended to put a newspaper sheet on the ground in front of the stove to prevent the ashes from settling on your carpet.

When it comes to cleaning the glass in your wood stove there are a myriad of different options available. A lot of people use a sheet of newspaper and rub the soot off, but you can also purchase cleaning sprays, or even oven cleaner. There is even a special product made specifically for cleaning wood stoves that can be found at many hardware stores.

Cleaning your stove in spring will 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 use a flashlight for a visual inspection of the flue and chimney. If the creosote buildup exceeds than 1/8" then you must clean the chimney and flue.

It is important to ensure that the stove has cool before cleaning the firebox. Then, you should remove any large ash particles and dispose of them in a secure manner. Once the ash is removed then you can clean the inside of the stove with a wire brush. You should also scrub the grate and andirons with the help of a wire brush to eliminate any soot buildup. You can also employ a cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the glass and firebox.

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

Ventilation

Ventilation in a wood burning stove is crucial to ensure the operation of the appliance as well as to keep smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to enter the space, replacing the old aged air that would otherwise been drawn into the stove. A well-designed ventilation system will prevent your stove from overheating and creating damage. All stoves are required to have ventilation.

Start with wood burning stove sale that has been stored for at least six months and then dried. It will burn more hot and longer than fresh wood. Avoid using man-made wood materials such as ply wood, particle boards, and painted timber as these can release toxic gases and leave residues in the flue that can cause a chimney fire. Also, avoid adding too many logs at a time as they will partially smother the flames and leave unburned fuel that can cause a lot of smoke and creosote.

It is recommended to open both air vents prior to you light the fire and remain open until flames have been established. When the flames are established then close one of the air vents gradually until both vents are closed approximately a third of the way. If your fireplace is situated in a space that is depressurized, it might be necessary to open a door or window slightly to allow adequate ventilation. When using a wood-burning stove is best to combine wood with briquettes of fuel that are smokeless. This will keep the flames burning for longer periods of time and allow you the option to add more logs once the fire has been established.

Make sure to ask your Local Authority what ventilation requirements are required if you are installing or moving a wood-burning stove. You may need to install an entirely new chimney or modify the existing one to ensure it is in line with the regulations. Contact your insurance company to determine if they require that the work be inspected to keep the insurance coverage of your home.