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[+] 3 points 1 year ago (4 children)
  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (3 children)

    Yep, need to get a hot blazing burn then it's fairly clean (and efficient). Smaller wood is better -- just keep loading it in.

    Trouble is, no one ever listens. They throw on massive logs then crank the airflow right down for the lovely slow burn through the evening, then wedge in the biggest piece they can find and close the airflow "so it's still burning in the morning" (*smouldering).

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Unless you are awake to refill it every hour or so... slow burning means consistent heat throughout the night.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago* (1 child)

    It's a consistent highly inefficient heat because it only smoulders, without a flame.

    It will clog your chimney/flue with creosote.

    It's also a horrible thing to do to yourself and your neighbours.

    No efficient wood heater/stove is designed to burn like that.

    If you want a slow release of heat you need to store it in masonry or water.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago

    Ive used wood heat most of my life. Its more of the wood quality thay effects that. Dry, cured maple or ash burns clean even at lower temperatures. Most of the impurities come from volatile compounds such as burning green wood, or wood with oily resins like pine. But sure, its less efficient, but its not that big of a difference.

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