Log burners are becoming increasingly popular in homes recently as people are looking for central heating alternatives.

A cost of living crisis, rising energy bills and the removal of the winter fuel allowance are just some of the factors forcing people to find other ways of heating their homes.

However, when using a stove, it often leaves people wondering why their log burner is not burning wood properly.

Luckily, stove experts at Stovax have shared three common reasons as to why this could be to provide “optimal heating” for homes.

1. Poor wood and storing of logs

Wood burner owners may not be aware, but the type of wood being used and how it is stored can “significantly” impact a stove’s performance.

The experts urged owners to “only burn wood that has been properly seasoned”, which means it has been dried to a moisture content of between 14-20%.

Households can check the moisture content with a meter to ensure it is dry enough. Green or unseasoned wood contains too much moisture, which makes it “difficult to burn” and produces “excessive and creosote build-up”.

Wood needs to be stored in a dry, well-ventilated location, such as a woodshed or garage. If left outside, it should be covered with a tarp to protect it from rain.

It is worth stacking wood on a raised platform or pallet to keep it off the ground to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.

2. Improper draught 

A good draught is “essential for a log burner to work properly” as draught carries the smoke up and out of the chimney.

But if the draught is not strong enough, “smoke can fill the room and the stove will not burn properly”. Here are some reasons why a draught may not be working properly.

To avoid this, make sure the log burner has an adequate source of fresh air, such as an air vent.

Also, it’s worth checking the air control settings on the stove to ensure airflow is not restricted.

The experts recommend building the fire with the largest logs at the bottom, with smaller to medium pieces on top, and the smallest kindling at the top to encourage a “better burn”.

3. Damaged or worn parts

A log burner consists of many parts that work together to provide heat.

However, if any of these parts become damaged or worn, it can “affect the stove’s performance”.

Some common parts that may become worn over time or with frequent use are gaskets, baffles and firebricks.