As the owner of a log burner, you’ll know there’s actually quite a lot involved when it comes to lighting a log fire! It’s not a matter of buying logs that burn and away you go! If only it was that easy! Many factors affect the performance and efficiency of log burners…and stove owners must understand them to achieve log burning success. But, many people often lack awareness of what is it they even need to consider! After all, you only know if you know!
With so much media misinformation about wood-burning stoves and log burning, along with mixed messages about which logs to buy, their volumes, weights, and bag sizes, you can easily become blindsided with log burning information overload! The list appears to be endless!
In this blog post, we reveal the 20 most common log burning mistakes stove owners make when they buy logs for log burners and when they try to light them. By avoiding these log burning pitfalls, you can expect a hassle-free clean log fire, longer-lasting burn times, and a consistent supply of firewood for your log store.
We sell Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs!
Mistake 1: Buying wet logs instead of kiln dried logs
A common mistake is buying unseasoned logs and then trying to burn them immediately. Green or unseasoned logs have high moisture content, leading to inefficient, smoky burns. This means you’ll burn more fuel, generate less heat, and produce more harmful and polluting emissions. Wet logs are often cheaper than kiln-dried ones. But, it can be a false economy unless you plan to season and dry them yourself. After all, a stove is only as good as the fuel you put in it.
Solution: If you’re looking for logs for immediate use, it’s essential to buy Ready To Burn certified kiln-dried logs, which are guaranteed to have a moisture content of 20% or less, ensuring a clean, efficient burn with easy ignition and minimal smoke. This ensures you use less fuel, get a higher heat output, and reduce the environmental impact of your log fire.
Not all logs are the same! Here’s The Log People’s very own Sarah standing with a bulk bag of kiln dried hardwood logs to keep fires going AND a bulk bag of kiln dried softwood logs that are perfect for starting and building fires.
Mistake 2: Using hardwood logs to build a fire
A big mistake we see regularly is people using hardwood logs to both build and maintain a fire. Hardwood logs are very dense, and lighting hardwood is almost like trying to light a brick! These logs are intended to keep a fire going with a high heat output, not to build a fire.
When you’re new to log burning, it’s easy to think that all firewood is the same. However, hardwood and softwood each serve different benefits and purposes. No type is better; it’s about using the right log at the right time in the fire building process. Hardwood logs, like oak, ash, and beech, provide long-lasting heat and high output. Meanwhile, softwood logs, like pine, spruce, and fir, are ideal for starting a fire, raising the stove temperature, and clearing any downdrafts (pockets of cold air stuck in your flue or chimney). Once the fire is hot enough (around 250-300 degrees Celcius), hardwood logs will ignite more easily. Make sure all logs are Ready To Burn certified and kiln-dried with a moisture content below 20%.
Solution: Don’t think of one type of log as better than another. Both types have their own strengths when used properly and at the right stage of the fire lighting process. Use kiln-dried softwood logs to start your fire, and kiln-dried hardwood logs to keep it burning longer and hotter.
FURTHER READING: Hardwood Logs Versus Softwood Logs – What’s better for burning?
DOWNLOAD OUR FIRE LIGHTING SUCCESS GUIDE! How to light a log burner: a success guide by The Log People
Mistake 3: Ordering logs last minute
The popularity of wood burning has surged in recent years – especially since the pandemic when log burner installations soared. Trade bodies estimate that there are about 1.5 million wood-burning stoves installed the UK, with as many as 200,000 new units sold every year.
Naturally, this has caused a huge spike in demand for quality firewood – particularly Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs. But here’s the thing: trees can’t grow faster. Drying processes take time to reduce the moisture content below 20%. So, it’s a challenge for firewood suppliers to keep up with demand.
Solution: Order logs well in advance of when you need them and factor in the lead time between order and delivery. The best time to order logs is in the spring and summer months when demand is generally lower and firewood prices are more competitive. At The Log People, we advise our customers to order more logs when their delivery arrives. This accounts for the extra lead time between ordering and delivery. By working proactively and thinking ahead, you can ensure your subsequent log deliveries arrive just before you run out.
FURTHER READING: Top 5 reasons why people stock firewood in the summer
Mistake 4: Not buying locally sourced logs
There’s firewood, and then there’s locally sourced firewood, like the logs we supply! According to the Forestry Journal, the UK is now the third-largest net importer of timber in the world (it used to be the second!). Like most things in life, the biggest reason for this is cost. Imported wood is usually cheaper than British wood. Overheads for cutting and processing firewood are lower in Eastern Europe than in the UK. This means that European firewood has to travel up to 3,000 kilometres to get to the UK.
Burning wood is carbon neutral over a tree’s lifetime. So, the only carbon footprint is the distance the wood has travelled to your home.
Solution: There’s no obligation for UK firewood companies to sell British logs only. If you want to buy British-grown wood and reduce your log burning’s environmental impact, ask your firewood supplier if their logs are UK-sourced.
At The Log People, our firewood comes from local woodlands and forestries, usually within 50 miles. Not only that, but the wood we source is from sustainably managed woodlands – which means more trees are planted for every tree taken. And…you’re also supporting the local economy and investing in local ecosystems too!
Mistake 5: Overlooking log size:
The size of the logs you use plays a crucial role in how well your log burner or stove performs. Logs that are too large may not fit properly, restricting airflow and causing your logs to char and smoke. On the other hand, logs that are too small may burn too quickly, leading to frequent re-fuelling and less efficient heat output.
Solution: For the best fire from your log burner, use logs that are 8-10 inches long and fit comfortably in your stove. This ensures proper airflow, efficient burning, and less frequent re-fuelling. The result? A better overall log burning experience and maximised heat output.
GOOD TO KNOW: Loose tipped logs, like those in bulk bags, do tend to be on the chunkier side when compared with netted logs or logs delivered in cardboard boxes.
A firewood moisture meter will show you if the logs are below 20% moisture content and ready for immediate use.
Mistake 6: Not having a moisture meter
Moisture content is key to getting the most mileage out of your logs, and ultimately, getting the best return on your firewood investment. High-moisture logs produce less heat and create excess smoke and pollution. They can cause a dangerous creosote build-up in your chimney, raising the risk of chimney fires. Without a moisture meter, it’s harder to tell if your logs are dry enough for efficient burning. This is especially true if you’ve bought unseasoned logs or dried them yourself.
Solution: Invest in a moisture meter to check that your logs have a moisture content of 20% or less in the middle of the log. You can buy them online or from a local hardware store.
Read our blog for more top tips on how you should store your kiln dried logs AND how to keep them dry.
Mistake 7: Failing to store logs properly
Proper log storage is essential for maintaining their quality and keeping them dry. After all, there’s little point in buying Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs only for them to risk exposure to damp conditions. Storing logs on the ground can increase moisture absorption (kiln dried logs can act like a sponge!). This can cause rot or mould, which will significantly reduce the wood’s burning efficiency.
Solution: Store your logs in a purpose-built and well ventilated log store. Correctly positioning the log store allows sufficient airflow. This keeps the logs dry and ready for burning.
Buying locally and sustainably sourced logs ensures more trees are planted for every tree taken, as well as supporting local jobs and ecosystems.
Mistake 8. Not buying sustainably sourced logs
When buying firewood, its ethical to consider the environmental impact of your logs and your log burning. Unsustainable or illegal logging practices can harm ecosystems and contribute to deforestation. To ensure that your wood-burning activities are eco-friendly, it’s important to choose a firewood supplier that sources firewood sustainably where more trees get planted – like we do.
Solution: Ready To Burn certified wood fuel suppliers must show, when inspected by Woodsure auditors, that their fuels are ethically and responsibly harvested. This is done by proving that the raw material carries the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or relevant felling licence numbers. This ensures your firewood comes from responsibly managed woodlands.
Prioritise sustainable firewood sourcing and log burning practices while enjoying the warmth of your log fire.
READ MORE:
- How to light an environmentally friendly log fire
- 10 ways to to reduce the environmental impact of a log fire
- Clean Air Strategy: are wood burners going to be banned?
Don’t be shy with your kindling! Using plenty of kindling to start your fire helps to shift any downdraft in your flue and warms your appliance to allow your logs to combust efficiently.
Mistake 9. Not using enough kindling when starting a fire
Kindling is essential for starting a fire efficiently. Many people overlook the need for good-quality kindling when buying logs. This can lead to frustrating, failed attempts to start a fire. After all, logs need lots of energy to combust effectively.
Solution: Invest in dry and easily ignitable kindling sticks and natural wood wood firelighters. Don’t be shy on the kindling! You need enough to start a fire quickly. This will make lighting your log fire easier and more enjoyable.
Mistake 10. Ignoring the need for sufficient log storage space
Before buying firewood, it’s important to consider your available log storage space. Buying more logs than you can store can cause problems. They may rot, sweat, grow mould, or even attract pests.
Solution: Check your firewood storage before buying logs in bulk. Make sure you have enough space for the logs. If not, plan for more storage if you can. This will help maintain the quality of your firewood and ensure it’s ready for use when you need it.
Mistake 11. Burning logs brought in from the cold
Burning logs that have just been brought in from the cold can hinder their performance. Even kiln-dried logs can be affected if too cold. They may not ignite easily and can produce more smoke due to the temperature difference affecting combustion.
Solution: Always have a supply of room temperature logs to hand before burning. This helps ignition. It ensures a more efficient, cleaner burn. It maximises heat and minimises smoke.
Which leads us nicely onto Mistake 12…
FURTHER READING: Top tips if you’re struggling to light your wood burning stove
Mistake 12. Storing logs directly next to the wood burner
Storing logs next to your wood burner may seem convenient and nice to look at. But, it is actually a very serious fire risk. The intense heat from the stove can cause the logs to dry out excessively, which can even lead to accidental fires if the logs ignite from the stove’s heat.
Solution: Never store your logs directly next to the log burner. Even if you’re inspired by a pretty Pinterest image or pretty Instagram home account, never copy them if the logs are stacked next to the stove. Instead, always store your logs at a safe distance from your wood burner, such as in a log basket or a purpose built indoor log storage solution.
Creosote build up as a result of not keeping up with annual chimney sweeping can combust and cause chimney fires.
Mistake 13. Forgetting to sweep your chimney
Neglecting to sweep your chimney not only reduces your log burner’s efficiency but also puts your home and loved ones at risk. While it might be tempting to delay it to save money, doing so is extremely dangerous. Over time, creosote and other flammable blockages can build up, reducing airflow and increasing the risk of chimney fires.
Solution: HETAS recommends having your chimney or flue swept and serviced at least once a year. It ensures your appliance runs safely and efficiently. This helps prevent dangerous chimney fires.
14. Overlooking smoke control area rules
Not following smoke control area rules can result in heavy fines and legal issues, especially when using a log burner. Many people don’t realise that in smoke control areas, there are strict restrictions on the fuels you can burn and the appliances you can use.
Solution: In many parts of the UK, smoke control areas are in place, where releasing smoke from a chimney is prohibited. Only authorised or ‘smokeless’ fuels are permitted. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite, gas, and low volatile steam coal. However, if you have a Defra-approved (exempt) appliance, you can still burn unauthorised fuels like Ready To Burn firewood. These exempt appliances include certain boilers, cookers, and stoves.
FURTHER READING:
Burning untreated wood is dangerous and polluting.
Mistake 15. Burning inappropriate or treated wood:
Using inappropriate materials, such as painted or pressure-treated wood, in your log burner can be harmful. When burned, these types of wood release toxic chemicals that pose health risks and can damage your stove and chimney.
Solution: Always stick to burning Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs – and nothing else! Doing this not only ensures a cleaner and safer burn but also helps to optimise the efficiency and integrity of your log burner.
Fireguards are a must to protect young children and pets
Mistake 16. Not using a fireguard to protect children and pets:
Not using a fireguard can greatly increase the risk of accidents and burns, especially with young children or pets in your home. Without proper protection, the high temperatures from your log burner can pose a very serious safety hazard.
Solution: Always ensure you have a suitable fireguard in place whenever your log burner is in use and when young children and pets are around. A simple precaution to help create a safer environment for everyone.
Build a fire slowly and focus on raising your stove’s temperature before adding more logs. Even kiln dried logs won’t combust in cold stoves!
Mistake 17. Overloading the Log Burner:
You might be tempted to pack your log burner with firewood for a roaring fire. But, overloading it can cause poor combustion from lack of air. This can even make kiln-dried logs smoke excessively. This not only affects the efficiency of your log burner but also creates pollution.
Solution: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended volume of logs to use at one time. This will ensure optimal combustion, reduce smoke, and maintain the efficiency of your log burner.
A carbon monoxide meter is essential when you have a log burner or open fire.
18. Not installing a carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas. It can be released during incomplete combustion, which poses serious health risks. Ignoring CO safety measures can lead to dangerous situations in your home.
Solution: To protect yourself and your loved ones, install a carbon monoxide detector near your log burner so that it can detect any leaks early. Also, ensure the heated room is well-ventilated. This prevents CO build-up and keeps your home safe while you enjoy your log burner.
Wood ash is a fantastic natural resource and great for gardens
Mistake 19. Not putting wood ash to good use
Throwing wood ash in the bin is a waste of a valuable resource! Many overlook its benefits as a compost additive. It also fertilises and repels pests.
Solution: Wood ash can be a fantastic addition to your garden, acting as a natural fertiliser, pest repellent, and a component for compost. Be sure to collect and store wood ash properly so you can take advantage of its many uses and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Mistake 20: Ignoring proper ventilation
Poor ventilation can hinder combustion, even with Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs. It can create dangerous indoor air quality issues. Without enough airflow, your logs won’t burn well. The fire won’t be efficient, and harmful gases like carbon monoxide can build up, posing serious health risks.
Solution: Ensure your room is well-ventilated when using your log burner. Make sure air vents are open, and install a carbon monoxide detector to monitor air quality. Adequate ventilation is essential to a cleaner, safer, and more efficient log burning experience.
Avoiding these common log-burning mistakes will improve your appliance. It will work better and last longer.
Prioritise buying Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs. Use kiln dried softwood logs to start a fire. Use kiln dried hardwood logs to keep it going. Check the moisture content and know how to store your kiln dried logs correctly. With these simple steps, you and your family are guaranteed to have a more enjoyable and cost-effective log burning experience.
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