My understanding is that heat-retaining fireplaces should only be fed so much before they cool down for the next day. A Tulikivi fireplace that I’m familiar with has clear model markings that I looked up and found its upper limit per day (1% of the weight of the fireplace).
This one doesn’t have any markings and I don’t know its weight. Don’t even know if the same 1% principle would apply to this one, as its layout is very different and it’s older. I’m also curious if the exterior surface temperature of the fireplace (the non-metal part) would indicate anything about its capacity.
If we define the load shown in the photo as 1 load, how many loads would you burn on this per day? A range based on the outside temperature is also very useful. Thanks all!
by bolyai
4 comments
Easiest way to know is to touch the outside of the pireplace. If it’s noticeably warm you’re probably good. If it’s starting to feel cool, feel free to light it up.
Usually one full is enough on those, but if it gets really cold you might want to burn another one later. This from having this kind of pönttöuuni for forty years.
We have a similar kind fireplace, but larger and would retail more heat. About one S-Market bag to a basket full (as yours) on a very cold day is my rough guide. Careful not to overfill – get it burning and the airflow moving first, then add wood as required – so not all at once.
Make sure the wood is properly dry; we use birch + birch bark to get things started.
Also, ensure your chimney has been swept – they’ll also give good advice on how and what to burn for best results. Your house insurance will depend upon this too!.
If you shovel as much fuel into it as you can, constantly, not only will you damage it slowly, but you will have an oven for a house pretty soon. Those things put out a LOT of heat.