We all like a hot fire but sometimes things go wrong, from the wood not igniting to strange smells. Some of the most common problems are below with possible solutions.

 

Firewood does not ignite

 

 

• Use more Kindling: using good kindling and a firelighter makes starting a fire very easy. To order kindling visit the firewood home.
  
  
• Moisture in Firewood: If the firewood is damp or has a high moisture content, it will be challenging to light and keep burning. Wet or unseasoned wood can produce excess smoke and may smolder rather than ignite. Use properly seasoned firewood with low moisture content for best results.
  
  
• Poor Draft: Insufficient airflow or poor draft in the chimney or flue can prevent the fire from getting enough oxygen to ignite and sustain combustion. Factors such as blockages, creosote build-up, closed dampers, or negative air pressure in the room can affect draft quality. Ensure that the chimney is clean and free of obstructions, and open the damper fully before attempting to light a fire.
  
  
• Cold Chimney: Hot chimneys draw air up but cold chimneys might not and make it difficult for the fire to start. If the chimney is cold, warm air from the fire may struggle to rise, leading to poor combustion. Preheating the flue by lighting a small bundle of kindling or using a hair-dryer to blow warm air up the chimney can help improve draft and aid in lighting the fire.
  
  
• Improper Firewood Arrangement: How you arrange the firewood in the fireplace or stove can affect how well the fire ignites and burns. Ensure that the firewood is arranged in a loose, well-ventilated configuration, allowing air to circulate freely around the wood.
  
  
• Avoid stacking the wood too tightly, as this can hinder airflow and combustion. Place kindling at the bottom.
  
  
• Cold or Windy Weather: Extreme cold or windy weather conditions can affect how well a fire ignites and burns. Cold outdoor temperatures can cool the chimney, reducing draft effectiveness, while strong winds can disrupt airflow and cause smoke to back draft into the room. Consider using a fireplace wind guard or wind-resistant fire starter to mitigate these effects. Usually wind helps with the chimney draught, but not always.
  
  
• Closed Air Vents: For fireplaces with dampers or air vents, ensure that they are fully open before attempting to light a fire. Closed dampers or vents can restrict airflow and prevent the fire from getting enough oxygen to ignite and burn properly.
  
  
• Blocked Flue or Chimney: Blockages or obstructions in the chimney or flue, such as bird nests, leaves, or debris, can prevent smoke and gases from escaping and inhibit draft. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned regularly to remove any build-up or obstructions that may be hindering airflow.
  

 

 

 

Bad smell when lighting a fire

 

• Something is melting: Check that there is nothing on the wood stove like dust or a pen. Some people dry out wood on top of the wood stove and the wood or its bark may give a strange smell. Also check that there isn't something in the fire that is not supposed to be there, like plastic packaging.
  
  
• Not enough air: if the firewood that you are burning tends to end up very black and not burn completely to ash, it is likely that there is an air supply problem. Many things can cause this and the easiest way to fix this is to increase the size of the air intake (usually located under the door for wood stoves). Other issues might be that the chimney is not drawing or that the inlet air is passing over the fire and not under it, this is common for large fireplaces and braais- the solution is to raise the grate higher and remove any obstructions under the grate. It might also be that the ash tray needs to be emptied.
  
  
• Creosote Build-up: Creosote is a natural by product of burning wood in a fireplace. Over time, it can accumulate on the walls of the chimney or flue. When the fireplace is lit, the heat can cause the creosote to emit a strong, unpleasant odour, which may resemble a chemical or tar-like smell. If you are experiencing this, then you probably need a chimney sweep, visit www.chimneysweep.co.za for assistance.
  
  
• New fireplace: a newly made or restored fireplace often has oils to protect the steel from rust, which when burned may smell strange. Freshly painted steel also emits some smoke and smell when lit for the first few times.
  
  
• Moisture or Dampness: If there is moisture or dampness present in the fireplace or chimney, it can create a musty or mouldy odour when the fire is burning. This can occur if rainwater enters the chimney through cracks or leaks in the chimney cap, or if there is poor ventilation, causing condensation to form inside the chimney.
  
  
• Animal or Nest Debris: Animals such as birds or bees may build nests or leave debris inside the chimney, particularly during the warmer months when the fireplace is not in use. When the fire is lit, the heat can cause these materials to burn, producing an unpleasant odour
  
  
• Blocked Chimney: A blocked chimney, due to debris, bird nests, or other obstructions, can cause smoke and odours to back up into the home when the fireplace is in use. This can result in a strong, acrid smell that may linger even after the fire has been extinguished. For a chimney sweep, visit www.chimneysweep.co.za for assistance.
  
  
• Improperly Seasoned Wood: Burning wood that is not properly seasoned or dried can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals into the air, leading to a foul odour. Green or unseasoned wood contains higher moisture content, which can produce more smoke and odours when burned. Order good quality firewood.
  
  
• Residue from Previous Fires: If the fireplace has not been cleaned regularly, residue from previous fires, such as ash, soot, or leftover wood, can accumulate and produce odours when the fire is lit.
  
  
• Chemical smells from Firelighters or Logs: Some commercial fire starters or logs contain chemicals or additives that can emit strong odours when burned. These odours may be perceived as strange or unpleasant.

 

 

The firewood is burning but my room is not heating up.

 

If your firewood is burning, but your room is not heating up as expected, then there are number of things that you can check:

• Insufficient Airflow: Proper airflow is essential for a fire to burn efficiently and generate heat. If the fireplace or wood stove lacks sufficient air in it can slow the combustion process.
  
  
• Wrong Firewood: The type and quality of firewood used can affect how well the fire burns and how much heat it produces. A quick fix is to use Fast Burning Firewood (order Fast Burning Firewood on this page).
  
  
• Cold fire: most types of firewood only burns properly if it is placed in a hot fire, this is particularly true for hardwoods. To make a hot fire, start by lighting a firelighter, then place kindling on top, then place a Fast Burning Firewood on that. Only when you have a hot fire burning can you use hardwoods as a fuel.
  
  
• Wet Wood: Unseasoned wood, which has a higher moisture content, can produce more smoke and less heat compared to properly seasoned wood. Additionally, using small or insufficient amounts of firewood may not generate enough heat to warm the room adequately.
  
  
• Poor Insulation: If the room lacks proper insulation or if there are drafts around windows, doors, or other openings, it can allow heat to escape, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature even with a fire burning.
  
  
• Inefficient Fireplace or Wood Stove: Older or inefficient fireplaces or wood stoves may not burn wood as effectively, resulting in lower heat output. Cracks, leaks, or other damage to the fireplace or chimney can also affect performance and efficiency.
  
  
• Chimney Obstructions: Blockages or obstructions in the chimney, such as creosote build-up, bird nests, or debris, can restrict airflow and prevent smoke and heat from venting properly. This can lead to poor combustion and reduced heat output.
  
  
• Improper Fire Start: If the firewood is not arranged properly or if the fire is not started correctly, it may burn inefficiently and fail to produce sufficient heat. Ensuring that the firewood is arranged in a well-ventilated configuration, using appropriate fire starters, and allowing enough airflow can help improve combustion and heat production.
  
  
• External Factors: External factors such as outdoor temperature, humidity levels, and wind conditions can also affect how effectively a fire heats a room. Extremely cold or windy weather can cause heat loss and make it challenging to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
  
  
• Air circulation: heat rises, so it might be that all the heat from your fireplace or stove is making the ceiling warm. Consider placing a small fan near a wood stove and blowing air slowly around the sides and back.