11
Wood burning tips and theory
The first stage of the fire, just after lighting, is usually the smokiest because the cold wood and cold stove
take heat away from the flames. During this stage ensure the air inlet is fully open to increase the flame
temperature. It may appear that this initial hot burn allows too much heat straight into the flue system
however this is a necessary part of an efficient fire. The additional heat primes the chimney to produce a
strong draft and helps keep the chimney/flue clean by loosening creosote deposits that may have been
deposited by a previous fire. The hot initial burn also drives moisture from the firewood and gives an ignition
source for the smoke that is released from the wood.
Do not try to add too much fuel at once. Adding fuel gradually will help maintain a steady temperature and
burning rate so that the stove burns efficiently and cleanly. Adding too much fuel at once will dramatically
reduce the temperature inside the firebox.
This also applies to the air control. Adjusting it gradually will help maintain a steady combustion rate. In most
instances, you will arrive at the best combustion air settings yourself, as the height and diameter of the
chimney as well as the quality of the firewood are decisive factors in determining how your stove is best set.
Small, hot fires are more efficient than large slumbering fires. Most of the energy in burning wood is
released as a bright flame. The flame mixes the combustion air and the gases that are released from the
wood as it heats up. The heat of the fire ignites and burns these gases. In contrast, the dense smoke from a
slow, smouldering fire is potential heat energy that escapes up the chimney and either clings to the chimney
flue as creosote or pollutes the atmosphere. To gain the most heat from each burn the wood should be
flaming throughout the burn cycle until it is reduced to ash.
When refuelling, place two logs 200mm long totalling 1.1kg onto the firebed as shown for the best
combustion.
Over Heating
Should the stove get too hot and is overheating,
move the air control lever to the ‘cold’ setting
. Keep the fire
door closed and allow the fire to burn down.
Fire Prevention
Make sure furniture, curtains, firewood, or any other combustibles are kept clear of the fire and the flue
pipe. Observe the clearance to combustibles distances given on Page 3.
