Wood burning stoves provide warmth, cosiness, and the hygge feeling everybody is searching for, so it’s no wonder they’re so popular these days! However, you can’t reap these rewards without learning how to use one safely and efficiently.
So, we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to using wood burners, answering your burning “how to use a wood burning stove” question once and for all.
Preparing to Use Your Wood Burning Stove
Safe, enjoyable wood burning stove use begins at the preparation stage. While it’s tempting to get your roaring fire going, taking these vital prep steps ensure you, your loved ones, and your house can cosy up around the flames without taking avoidable risks:
1. Gather Your Materials
You’ll need four things to light a fire in your stove:
- Kindling — Small pieces of wood, wooden sticks, and twigs.
- logs — These are for the main event. Opt for kiln-dried or well-seasoned logs with less than 20% moisture.
- Matches — Choose long ones for safety.
- Firelighters — These are a safe, effective way to get the fire going.
You can use both hardwood and softwood in your wood burner. The former (e.g., hickory, ash, and oak) burn hot and last a long time, making them perfect for heating your house. However, they’re the most expensive woods on the market. Provided softwoods (e.g., pine or spruce) are dry enough, they’ll burn just as well and save you cash.
2. Conduct Safety Checks
Quick safety checks will ensure your stove is in good working condition for your soon-to-be roaring fire. Check for:
- Cracked glass
- Check for gaos between the door and the stove
- Rust
- Ashpan damage
- Loose seals
If you notice any of these, obtain professional assistance to fix them before lighting a fire. If you don’t, you’re good to go.
3. How to Start a Fire in a Wood Burning Stove using the “Top Down” Method
With the preparation finished, it’s time to get your fire going. These steps ensure you build an efficient, safe fire:
- Place two small logs at the base of the stove — then build a “Jenga” style tower using 8 pieces of kindling. Place 2x wax style firelighters at the top of the Jenga tower.
- The airflow control lever should be fully out – this ensures there is maximum air flow required to for the stove to light effectively
- Light the firelighters and Leave the stove door open – the firelighters will in turn set fire to the kindling and then work down to the logs.
Regulating the Temperature and Airflow
Once the fire is built and beginning to burn well, it is time to close the door, it is important to leave the air control pulled out to its maximum in order to get the stove hot as quickly as possible (should be at this setting for 35 – 40 minutes).
The more the air flow lever is pulled out, the higher the heat output will be due to the influx of oxygen. Conversely, the less oxygen, the cooler the fire.
After 35 – 40 minutes, you can adjust the lever to your desired setting. The stoves now have a notch which if aligned against the body of your stove will give you the optimum point of burning. You will then need to refuel the stove after about 40 minutes if set to this point.
Safety Note
Never close the lever fully while your fire is roaring. Doing so will ramp up creosote and smoking in the chimney, creating a dangerous situation.
Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Practices
Burning anything has an impact on the environment, so being mindful of fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness is essential for staying warm without environmental guilt. Follow these tips for best results:
- Select wood with the ‘Ready to Burn’ certifications.
- Only burn dry, seasoned wood with a maximum 20% moisture content or lower.
- Use a stove pipe thermometer for accurate temperature measurement. It’ll help wood burn efficiently and maximise heat output while protecting your chimney and reducing emissions.
- Ensure your stove’s seals are tight.
- Don’t overfill the stove.
- Clean the stove regularly but always leave a small amount of ash in the bottom to protect the base bricks. Wood burns best on a bed of ash.
Cleaning and Maintaining Wood Burning Stoves
Speaking of cleaning, here’s how to do it:
- Wait for the fire to cool.
- Wear protective gloves and use a small spade to move the ash into a metal container.
- Take the ashes outside to a safe location (i.e., away from bushes, trees, or other flammable material), keeping it in the bucket.
- Leave the ash for at least 24 hours before disposing it in your garden.
- Grab a piece of cold charcoal from your stove.
- Dampen it using water.
- Dip the damp paper in the ash of the fire
- Rub it on the inside glass.
- Wipe away any excess moisture using a dry piece of newspaper.
- Alternatively, you can use triple zero grade wire wool (decorators grade – fine) to clean the glass. This will not scratch the surface and is easy to carry out.
- Use a hoover with the soft brush attachment to remove dust or ash traces provided the stove is cold.
- Employ a chimney sweep to clean the chimney at least once a year to ensure the stove is functioning correctly.
Safety Tips for Wood Burning Stove Users
In addition to the wood burning stove safety tips already discussed, ensure you follow these to keep everybody warm and safe:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
- Always choose the right fuel ( Ready to Burn).
- Invest in a fire screen if you have children.
- Educate your household on safety guidelines.
- Keep the door closed, except when refuelling.
How to Use a Wood Burning Stove, Sorted.
Wood burners bring the ultimate cosy factor, but enjoying them responsibly is important by following our comprehensive guide above. From cleaning and maintaining to building and lighting, you’re now your family’s resident wood burning stove expert!