Do you have a fireplace and think you know how to light it correctly? Please note that this little-known and much more effective method is much easier and we tell you why.
According to a recent survey conducted by the wood stove manufacturer Hase, a large majority of French people do not master wood heating and do not know how to light a fire. But that’s without taking into account a technique little known to owners of fireplaces or wood stoves which is ultra efficient and fast! What is this technique and how to apply it? We tell you everything.
Even if fire has existed since the dawn of time, this does not mean that man has perfect control over it! Because if the French are more and more adept at heating with a wood fire, lighting a fireplace can prove complicated for a large number of people because they do not adopt the right technique. The reverse lighting technique is in fact an infallible method, although little used, which can be applied to all types of appliances, whether it is a fireplace or a stove. The reverse lighting technique for the fireplace consists of stacking the wood in a specific way for cleaner, more efficient and less polluting lighting.
It consists of starting a fire from the top and not from the bottom as we all have the reflex to do. To do this, simply place large logs at the bottom of your appliance’s hearth, cover them with kindling and add 2 or 3 natural firelighters (like cubes or balls of newspaper). By doing this, combustion from the top is progressive while being efficient and durable, because this technique not only allows you to quickly obtain the desired temperature, but also reduces smoke and ash production.
Did you know? Good combustion relies on good air management in a fireplace or stove. This is why it is strongly recommended never to close the air inlet of a device, but to leave a slight opening allowing the air to circulate. This simple tip is very effective in helping to start a good fire and also allows for a long and even combustion.
