Making a fire

Making a fire in the home, in a wood-burning stove or fireplace, is not only a source of cosiness, but also a means of reducing electricity costs. Optimise your home's energy consumption by using "Estonian Firewood" products in your fireplace. Remember that it is not only important to choose the right wood, but also to burn it correctly, so you save energy at home and pollute the environment less.

Responsible heating

"A dry fuel with a moisture content of less than 20% is an efficient solid fuel. Burning wet pulverised fuels generates a lot of residues as moisture prevents complete combustion. The accumulation of residues inhibits heat transfer to the heater. The more soot on the chimney walls, the more fuel is needed to achieve the desired result (e.g.: 1 mm of soot on the chimney walls corresponds to about 10% more fuel). All types of wood can be used as long as they are not impregnated or wet. Calorific values of tree species ('Wood fuel' 2010, SA Private Forest Centre):

Birch: 1700 kWh/rm

Pine: 1360 kWh/rm

Aspen: 1330 kWh/rm

Spruce: 1320 kWh/rm

Alder: 1230 kWh/rm

For effective heating, bring the wood indoors 1-2 days before burning. The diameter of the logs is 5-10 cm. The hearth is not for burning rubbish or plastic materials!

How to start: make sure the starter slide is open, ash removed from the stove. Open and open the chimney, make sure the chimney is open and the door is not ajar. Before firing, clear the firebox of debris and any remaining stacks to prevent sparks from starting a fire.

How to start: make sure the starter slide is open, ash removed from the stove. Open and open the chimney, make sure the chimney is open and the door is not ajar. Before firing, clear the firebox of debris and any remaining stacks to prevent sparks from starting a fire. Capture the mounds from above, using natural fuel pellets and small wooden blocks or surfaces. The heaps should ignite from above, ensuring complete combustion. In the other case (bottom firing), wood gases are emitted unburned into the chimney. Top-side ignition achieves the maximum combustion temperature more quickly and the combustion process is cleaner.

The oven is not a dustbin! Burning plastic bags, packaging and paper pollutes the air, posing a health risk. Use only dry wood for heating!

When firing behind adequate draft and oxygen access, adjust the draft with a fire or ash compartment door or regulator. The shutter must be fully open during the combustion process. Use a starter valve to start firing

The winter valve can be opened and the start valve closed after 10-15 minutes of burning. The damper may be completely closed when there are no more glowing pieces of coal. Closing too early may cause toxic fumes to accumulate in the room. Use smoke and smoke detectors.

On average, 10 m³ of air are needed to efficiently burn 1 kg of wood. Ensure adequate ventilation! Poor ventilation can cause low pressure in the room, disturbing combustion. For airtight dwellings, consider separate combustion air ducting, insulated and fitted with dampers.