How to light your fire

Lighting a fire is simple enough but taking the following steps to correctly light your fire ensures you are using the best method that both maintains the effectiveness of the unit and lights a strong fire.

Here's a step-by-step on how to light your fire

1. Open the air slide
   Ensure the air slide is in the open or high position.
2. Add firelighters
   In firebox lay your fire lighters 10 to 15 centimetres apart, depending on the size of your firebox. Do not use newspaper as a fire lighter.
3. Add kindling
   Add soft wood kindling in a criss cross pattern above the firelighters. Softwood kindling allows for the fire to light quicker and burn hotter.
4. Light and let it take
   Light the fire with match or gas lighter, when fire is ablaze close the door, but do not latch the door. Leave for 5-10 minutes or until fire has taken. Do not leave unattended.
5. Add small hardwood and latch
   Load pieces of hardwood that are no wider than a drink can in a criss cross pattern. Latch the door and leave latched for 30 minutes.
6. Add large hardwood
   After 30 minutes add the large pieces of hardwood and latch the door. These pieces should be no bigger than a loaf of bread.
7. Adjust slide and turn on fan if desired
   After 45 minutes you can adjust the air slide to slow fire down and find your comfort level. If you have a fan fitted you can now turn it on.

Job done! Now turn around and warm those buns you just worked off. 😉

Here are some more things to consider to improve how your fire burns. 

How is your wood?

New Australian standards were introduced recently which has made slow combustion fires burn more efficiently than ever before. This makes the quality of your firewood important.

How long a tree has been felled or dead for does not indicate how dry the wood is. The best way to dry wood is to split it and expose the inner core to the sun to dry the wood naturally.

Good wood merchants will split the wood for you, but may not season it for you.
The amount you pay for your wood does not determine how dry the wood is. The only way to know how dry your wood is, is to use a moisture meter on the inner core of the wood.

Only burn wood under 20% moisture. Anything over 20% and your wood heater will not work efficiently. The energy from the fire will be used to reduce moisture in the wood and not produce heat for your house.

Never burn treated wood or painted wood.

TOP TIP: Store your wood for at least 12 months after your have purchased it.
Your wood should be at a perfect moisture level, of around 15 to 20%.

How is your ash bed?

Heaters without grates will perform better with a layer of ash on the base of the firebox. Clean the ash out periodically and always leave a 1cm layer or so behind.

Is you fire not performing?

If you follow these steps and you feel the fire is not lighting as it should, you can also read how to maintain your wood heater here.

If your fire heater needs replacement parts, you can visit us at Albany Eco House. We keep a range of parts in stock and are able to order in for many brands.