brenndatomu
Minister of Fire
Just to make sure @deborita3 understands, packing the stove tight like that is something that is generally only done when its really cold out and you need lots of BTU's to hold the house temp...doesn't need to be that way every time. And if you are going to load that way you will need to do so on some hot coals, its really hard to get a good fire going if you pack it tight on a cold start up fire.
But loading with 5 logs criss cross is great way to load when the weather is warmer and a short hot fire is all you need.
Lower BTU wood can be used in warmer weather too...pine, poplar, soft maple, etc...save the oak, locust, hickory, etc, for the cold weather.
The more wood weight you put in the stove at one time (dry wood) the more heat you should get from the load (and the longer it should last too...assuming everything is working right)
But loading with 5 logs criss cross is great way to load when the weather is warmer and a short hot fire is all you need.
Lower BTU wood can be used in warmer weather too...pine, poplar, soft maple, etc...save the oak, locust, hickory, etc, for the cold weather.
The more wood weight you put in the stove at one time (dry wood) the more heat you should get from the load (and the longer it should last too...assuming everything is working right)
