Step 1. Clean the Stove & Open Vents
For the best results, start with a clean stove. Using the spade from your fireside companion set and an ash bucket, clean out the ash from the grate and empty the ash-pan before lighting your stove. Some people prefer to us an ash vacuum, but please make usre that the ash is cold before using. Open the bottom air vents of the stove and open the flue damper; a good supply of oxygen is needed to get your fire going.
Step 2. Build Firelighters
One method to start a fire is to use firelighters. Place two peat briquettes into the stove (or your solid fuel of choice), a couple of inches apart. Place a piece of firelighter or two between the two briquettes and then place two more briquettes across the top.
Step 3. Light Firelighters
Carefully light the firelighters with a match. Leave the door open slightly as you do this to allow for better flue draw, which in turn will make the fire burn harder. When the fire is well established, add more fuel to the stove without overloading and smothering the fire.
Step 4. Use Newspaper
An alternative method to start a fire is to use old newspaper. Loosely roll sheets of newspaper in long rolls and then crumple them to roughly form circles.
Step 5. Build Fire with Newspaper
Start by placing two briquettes (or your solid fuel of choice) into the stove, one on top of the other. Next place the rolled-up paper next to the briquettes. Place wooden kindling over the paper so that is it leaning on the briquettes. Place two briquettes on the top. The first two briquettes will help the fire not to collapse while it burns and put itself out.
Step 6. Light Paper
Carefully light the newspaper with a match in several places. Leaving the door open slightly as you do this will allow for better flue draw, which in turn will make the fire burn harder.
Step 7. Add Fuel
When the fire is well established, add more fuel to the stove but do not overload. Once the fire is burning, the air vents can be closed to slow the burning of the fuel.
Ask any member of our team who are here to help and happy to advise about the best fuel for your fire. Whether it’s coal, logs, or briquettes, we have everything you’ll need to stay warm and cosy over the winter months.
Source: Topline.ie