log burning stoves

[MiniN]

Hi all,

as you now know (see other question below) I'm buying my first house at the moment. the house has just been fitted with a log burning stove (which is the only source of heat for the cottage). I've seen some logmakers online that lets you compact newspaper, etc in to blocks that you can burn for fuel. has anyone tried these? which ones are good?

whats it like living with a log burning stove? are they cheaper than conventional heating methods eg central heating?

[raysparx1]

Hi Mini, Good luck in your new home, Right Log Burners, they are fantastic forms of warming the room, I have never used the paper blocks,so cannot comment on them but one thing you MUST always do is make sure the wood,logs you burn are well seasoned,ie: at least chopped down 18 months, if you use logs that are freshly cut you will block the flue up with sap,

So please make sure all wood is old, once you get used to the controls just let it tick over gently and the logs will last much longer, also make sure you always have a good bed of ash left in the bottom, never clear it all out,
it should only need clearing about once a month, and then still leave about half an inch to one inch in the bottom,

The cost will be high if buy logs from garage forecourts ask locally where people get the logs from there is always somebody supplying loads and half loads, try to get Oak, ash,elm etc, pine burns far to quickly and is full of sticky sap, good luck with it and enjoy the warmth it gives you, Ray

[MiniN]

thanks ray. does it work out cheaper than having central heating bills?

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes MiniN - it works out a lot cheaper than gas or electric central heating - and much more fun!

[MiniN]

oh i can't wait to get burning!

[Im a BusyBee]

i love my wood burner and could not imagine not having it during the winter months but mine does get VERY warm in the room that its in but the flip side to that is that the warmth does get all over my 4 bedroom house. My other comment would be that if you are both out at work all day i wouldnt imagine that perhaps it would keep alight without putting more logs on during the day. Over christmas, weekends and when the forecast is very cold, we burn phurnacite which is lovely and keeps alight without being touched for best part of 24 hrs (my daughter says it looks just those electric fires!). Im sure you will enjoy it, they are so cosy!