Wood-burner Tips and Tricks for this Winter

Nov 28, 2022

Wood-burner Tips and Tricks for this Winter

We all secretly love getting prepared for winter, with Christmas right around the corner and hot chocolates aplenty, you will surely be wanting to dust off your log burner to keep toasty in the cold nights ahead. As we all know, traditional forms of energy are rising in price, making for a tough winter ahead for many. A wood-burning stove could be the solution to all your winter woes as they are a great way to keep yourself cosy all winter long and could save you those precious pounds. A wood-burning stove is also safer than conventional fireplaces since there are no stray sparks and because of the addition of the doors and they consume less fuel, making them more energy-efficient. If you haven't used your wood-burning stove recently, you may discover that it takes some effort to make it ready to use before you can fully enjoy those cosy nights by the fire. If you, like many, are wondering how to keep your stove in tip-top condition, or want to know the facts, like, how long should a log last on a wood burner, then you have come to the right place. We at Calido have put together a list of some things you should think about doing to get your wood-burning stove ready for the winter.

Cleaning your stove

Check the chimney

Stock up on wood

Lighting up your stove

Make sure you use the right fuel

How long should a log last on a wood burner?

Managing air circulation

Clean your stove

Before you grab your wood and get burning, you will need to clean out your stove. We recommend starting to give your wood-burning stove a complete clean if you haven't given it a good dusting in a few months. Make sure to remove all of the ash and accumulated rubbish from your stove with an ash pan, and then completely empty the ash pan. To guarantee you have a clear view of your magnificent flames every time, you will want to wipe the glass with a moist cloth or our trollul glass cleaning pads. Top Tip: Check the door seal for any ash that may be obstructed, and then sweep the corners with a soft-bristled brush. Looking for the perfect fireside accessories to make any wood-burning stove sparkle? Check out our fantastic range of fireside–accessories here.

Check the chimney

You should always check your chimney's structure is sound and clear of obstructions before preparing your wood-burning stove for the winter. Don’t miss your chimney's brickwork for any mortar cracks or missing bricks, as these could potentially lead to major fires. Additionally, and unfortunately, you will need to search the chimney for any bird corpses or nest debris because this could impair ventilation and really smell! Top Tip: If you notice that birds continue to nest in your chimney, you can get a grid fixed to prevent their access in the future.

Stock up on wood

The next thing you will need is lots of wood on hand to make it through the whole of winter. You won't want to go out and buy more once the cold weather arrives, as log shortages, and price increases frequently happen in local areas, so getting those logs early is the key to success and savings. At Calido Logs, we sell premium kiln-dried logs at a price you can afford, check out our range of logs here, which will keep you warm all winter long. Top Tip: Did you know that you should buy 20% more wood in winter to account for any shortages? This way, you're ready for whatever unusual weather you may encounter, and, in the worst-case scenario, you won't be left without a way to heat your house.

Lighting up your stove

Before you start your fire, make sure all the principal air vents, control, and air wash controls are fully open. As the fire grows and the glass warms, you will need to keep the door slightly ajar, as this will aid in preventing condensation from building up. Then you will need to add bigger chunks of wood once the fire is burning. Close the door and lower the primary air control to the desired heat level once the fire has been established. Set the secondary air wash system to the desired setting, if necessary. By periodically adding modest quantities of extra fuel, you can keep the fire going. Top Tip: Make sure to not overfill the chamber, as it may produce an extremely strong heat which could damage your stove. If you are looking for a brand-new stove this winter, we have an amazing selection, including wood-burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves and many more.

Make sure you use the right fuel

Approximately 50% of wood is water which means you must ensure that your wood has thoroughly dried before using it. If you, like many, want to forage your own wood, then you will need to dry your logs for at least one summer, ideally two, in the meantime, we recommend purchasing Kiln Dried logs. Top Tip: Our Kiln Dried logs only have roughly 10-20% water/moisture, making them easier to keep dry or use straight away for your fires, click here to see our mixed firewood bundles.

How long should a log last on a wood burner?

In general, most tests show that kiln-dried logs will burn for around 1 hour. Top tip: However, our briquettes can roughly burn for 1-2 hours, giving you more fire for your money! Check out our range of briquettes here.

Always manage air circulation

In order to prevent the heat from getting too intense, make sure to control your wood burners by limiting the airflow. As most know, when burning wood, the air is necessary to feed the fire's bed. However, did you know that in order to fuel the flames above it, you also need secondary air? Make sure to never totally close the secondary air vent, if you do, soot and tar will start to collect on the glass. However, unless your instructions specifically state to do so, do not leave the stove door open when lighting a fire. Leaving the stove door open will lead to hot air escaping up the chimney rather than into your room. Top Tip: The wood-burning stove will be more effective and efficient with a smaller, hotter fire as opposed to a larger, slower-burning fire.