Some helpful tips from the Australian Home Heating Association on starting and fuelling your wood heater:
To start your fire, use kindling wood, paper and firelighters. Large pieces of wood can then be added after a hot bed of coals has been established.
Leave air controls open for at least 20-30 minutes to start the fire burning. You can expect some smoke from your flue when you first start, but it should not last longer than 10-15 minutes.
Most heaters burn better with 3 or 4 logs rather than 1 or 2. Logs should not be too big - 2 to 4kg for 40 cm logs is typical.
Heaters without grates will perform better with a layer of ash on the base of the firebox, and should only need cleaning periodically. When cleaning out the ash always leave 10mm or so behind.
Every time you add fuel to your fire, leave air controls open for 15-20 minutes to start wood burning properly, then keep your fire burning at a steady rate.
To obtain complete burning, you need a high temperature and enough air flow, so coals and flames glow brightly. Dark, smoldering wood and a lot of smoke are signs of poor and incomplete burning as a result of insufficient air intake.
Never use petrol, oil or kerosene to help light the fire. They could cause an explosion.
Tomlinson Plumbing can assist with the installation, service and repair of wood heaters in Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and surrounding areas. Call us today on 5261 2422.