Wood-burning stoves are some of the most popular home heating options in the country. In fact, according to a survey in 2013, around 37% of households used wood burners in New Zealand while only 4% used coal fires.
Unfortunately, both wood and coal fires are a major source of air pollution, especially when improperly used. So how do you make sure that your wood burners in New Zealand are working safely and efficiently?
Here are a few tips to consider:
•Start your fire properly
If you fail to light your fire properly, you can’t expect your wood burner to function efficiently. Therefore, make sure you follow the correct procedure from the start.
First, you’ll need to keep your burner clean and free of debris. In addition, make sure to open your vents and damper and warm up your flue. Then, you can begin to build your fire, starting with a few small sticks and adding logs to keep the flame strong.
•Use the right amount and type of fuel
Different types of wood will yield different fires. Generally, the best fuel for a wood burner is dry seasoned hardwoods, such as ash, hawthorn, or yew.
If your fireplace is outdoors and you’re not planning to use it for cooking, you can also burn softwoods like pine, fir, spruce, and cedar. But no matter which type of wood you choose, you should avoid overfilling your fireplace.
•Keep an eye on your temperature
Finally, you should maintain a temperature between 260°C and 460°C for your wood-burning stove. Going any lower than 260° will make your fire burn too slow, while temperatures about 460° can overfire your stove and increase the risk of damage.
You can circulate the heat in your stove by installing a stove fan or fitting a vent.
Are you ready to heat your home with a wood burner in New Zealand? You can choose highly efficient stoves offered by top-rated suppliers to ensure that heat is properly circulating throughout your home.
