Clean burning in fireplaces and wood-fired saunas
Small-scale wood burning is a major source of fine particles in Finland, and poor burning also dirties the flue. With the right habits, you get more heat from less wood, and your neighbours will thank you too. This guide explains how to heat with wood cleanly and safely.
You will need
- Dry, split firewood
- A wood moisture meter
- Kindling and birch bark or firelighters
- A working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm
- The manual for your fireplace or stove
Steps
Only use dry wood
Firewood should have a moisture content below 20 per cent. Dry the logs in a shelter for at least a summer; wet wood smokes and gives less heat.
Split it to the right size
Light from the top
Give it enough air
Add wood at the right time
Do not burn waste
Close the damper only at the right moment
Have the chimney swept regularly
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