Even the best wood-burning stove needs your input, if you want to heat your home efficiently and, at the same time, protect the environment from harmful particles. Ultimately, it is a matter of how you use the wood-burning stove – and of course, what you fuel it with.
You can do both yourself and the environment a big favour by following these seven recommendations:
- Choose a stove which complies with the strictest requirements on particle emissions.
- Make sure your chimney is the correct size in relation to the stove. A good draw is essential for optimum combustion.
- Never burn waste, cardboard packaging, printed matter or wood that has been painted or in some other way treated.
- Make sure the wood is clean and dry. Moisture content of max 16-20% gives the best and cleanest combustion (and also less soot on the glass).
- Never overfill the stove and avoid using oversized pieces of fuel.
- Air is important for good combustion and good economy. Before the wood carbonises, enough air needs to be added that flames are produced (always read the manual – it’s important).
- Don’t leave the stove burning overnight where possible. Leaving your stove burning overnight is bad for your wallet and the environment.