Burning wood in a wood-burning stove is an ancient and fascinating practice. For centuries, it has warmed us on cold winter nights and created a special atmosphere in our homes. But the key to successful combustion lies in knowledge. Here are some key details: choosing the right wood, technique, and tips for getting the most out of your storage stove. We've summarized them in 8 rules for perfect, eco-friendly combustion.
1. Optimal ignition
Proper lighting, or "starting from the top," makes all the difference! This allows you to get more heat from the same amount of wood (with less consumption), contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. Not sure how?
2. Storage
To ensure that you wood is ready to release maximum heat,It's essential to store it properly. This includes keeping firewood in well-ventilated areas protected from the elements, even in winter, and never storing it under plastic sheeting or in poorly ventilated garages. In these environments, the moisture trapped in the wood cannot fully evaporate, resulting in a drastic reduction in its calorific value. Another tip: don't store firewood before cutting it. The bark prevents the wood from releasing excess moisture. To prevent deterioration, keep it about 20-30 cm from the floor and 5-10 cm from the walls during storage.
3. Humidity factor
For efficient combustion, it is important to use only natural, untreated and well-seasoned wood, with a residual moisture content maximum of 20%.
Dry wood is recognized for its lightness. It lights easily, burns evenly and without annoying noises, and does not form condensation on the surface or in the combustion chamber. Damp wood, on the other hand, produces a lot of smoke and has a very low calorific value. The choice is clear: to obtain to get the most out of your fire, dry wood is the best choice.
4. Wood from nature
When it comes to firewood, it's important to avoid any type of treatment, including paints, stains, or synthetic resins. These substances can release harmful gases during combustion, making the fire not only less efficient but also harmful to the environment. It's best to choose natural, untreated wood to ensure safe and clean combustion.
5. Safety instructions
Do not add more fuel than specified, as an excessively large flame will result in unburned gases and excessively high flue temperatures, which could damage the appliance. Likewise, an excessively small amount will not reach the ideal temperatures for radiant heat distribution.
6. Wood dimensions
The size of the wood must always comply with the instructions. The length depends on the size of the combustion chamber and should always be slightly smaller. Here are the guidelines for our products, which feature two different combustion chamber types:
7. What is prohibited
Cardboard, Tetra Pak, packaging, all types of plastic, chipboard, plywood, wood waste from construction sites, boxes, wood from old furniture or flooring panels.
The use of such materials in the combustion chamber causes the emission of corrosive fumes that damage the insert and the chimney. This not only leads to maintenance and repair costs, but also serious damage to the environment!
8. Catena locally supplied
Choose locally produced wood, preferably logs. Choosing certified wood ensures efficient combustion with a lower environmental impact.
Proper combustion keeps you warm, protects the environment, and reduces fuel consumption! So, light the fire consciously and enjoy the warmth and atmosphere that only a tiled fireplace can offer.