Wood Burning Stove yet again!!

[Richard]

We've just got our stove working - not a new one, but it was in the house when we bought it - and need some basic help.

It seems to get through wood very quickly, are we supposed to keep it topped up, or just reload when it's burnt almost everything up.

Am I correct in thinking that by closing the air vents, the wood should burn slower?

 

Thanks 

[Northender]

You are correct in assuming that if you close the vent it will burn slower.Just one thought what type of wood are you burning?

[BIG MAC]

Does the stove have a damper in the flue? this can be used to regulate the burn rate, along with the vents

 

[Jo]

I found with my wood bolier I can leave it until it is just glowing embers before I need to top it up, when I think of all the wood I wasted initially.......[:$]....and I'm still learning how to use it most efficiently!

[BIG MAC]

I like to build ours up initially to get a good bed of cinders in then just add the occassional log. (Well seasoned oak if I have it I am burning Ash and hornbeam at the moment both are pretty good) Ash splits lovely

[Théière]

[quote user="Jo"]I found with my wood bolier I can leave it until it is just glowing embers before I need to top it up, when I think of all the wood I wasted initially.......[:$]....and I'm still learning how to use it most efficiently!
[/quote]

Jo, the only thing your saving, sounds like the re-lighting time. the stove will have cooled down so the energy used to get it back to temperature is not saving you anything unless of course you are too hot by then.

[Âme]

Hi Richard - You've had several possible explanations already; type of wood; less air = slower burn. Here's another thought on the air intake: the glass fibre "string" around the door(s) gradually burns away and so the seal becomes less effective. Manufacturers recommend changing the "Joint Thermique en fibre de verre tressee" every year but I do mine every two years, when it becomes difficult to get a really slow burn. Stay warm! [:)]