January 14, 2025

How to Keep Your Log Burner Going All Winter Long

Love the cosy crackle of your log burner but hate when it fizzles out just as you’re getting comfortable? You’re not alone! Here’s the short answer: dry hardwood, a smart stacking technique, and airflow control will keep that fire roaring. But there’s more to the story! Let’s dive into the ins and outs of keeping your log burner blazing away all winter long.

Understanding the Combustion Process

To keep your log burner glowing happily, you’ve got to understand what makes it tick. Combustion needs three things: fuel, heat, and oxygen. If one of these is off balance, your fire will struggle and eventually go out.

Airflow and Draft

Good airflow is like giving your fire a steady supply of oxygen-rich snacks—it keeps the flames energised. Draft, on the other hand, pulls smoke up the flue and out of your home.

Adjusting Air Controls

The air controls on your log burner are your best tools for controlling the burn:

Primary air control: Feeds oxygen to the base of the fire—perfect for when you’re getting it going.
Secondary air control: Adds air to the top, helping to burn off any gases and cut down on smoke.

When it’s bedtime, closing the vents slightly can slow the burn and keep the embers glowing longer.

Checking for Obstructions

If your fire seems weak or smoky, you might have a blockage. Soot build-up, debris, or even a cheeky bird’s nest can clog your flue. Regular inspections and cleaning are a must to keep everything running smoothly.

Fuel Quality and Preparation

The wood you use can make or break your fire. Poor-quality fuel leads to weak flames, smoky rooms, and endless frustration.

Using Dry, Seasoned Wood

Your best bet is wood with a moisture content below 20%—anything wetter is like trying to burn a soggy tea towel.

Kiln-dried logs: These are ready to go straight away.
Seasoned wood: Naturally dried for 12-24 months, perfect if you’ve got a stash in your shed.

Avoid green or freshly cut wood. It creates more smoke than heat and leaves you with a sad, smouldering mess.

Building a Good Fire

A solid fire needs a good structure. If you throw everything in at once, it’s likely to smother rather than burn.

Starting with Kindling

Think small to start. Use dry sticks or natural firelighters arranged in a criss-cross pattern to create air gaps. This helps the fire breathe and catch quickly.

Adding Small Logs Gradually

Once the kindling is crackling away, feed the fire with small logs. Add them bit by bit to build up the heat without overwhelming the flames.

Maintaining the Fire

Once your fire is roaring, it needs a bit of love to keep going.

Adding More Wood as Needed

Don’t wait until the embers are barely alive. Add logs when the fire is still going strong to keep the momentum. For longer burns, especially at night, use big, dense logs.

Monitoring the Fire

Keep an eye on how your fire behaves:

Bright, lively flames: Everything’s working beautifully.
Smouldering logs: A sign that something’s off—check your airflow and fuel quality.

Troubleshooting Burning Issues

Even the best-laid fires can go wrong. Here’s how to handle the common hiccups.

Smoke Backups

Problem: Your room is filling with smoke rather than warmth.

Causes:

Using wet or green wood
Blocked flue

Solutions:

Use dry, seasoned wood.
Check your flue for blockages and clean as needed.

Poor Draft

Problem: Your fire struggles to stay lit.