When using a wood-burning stove or fireplace, the quality of the fuel is extremely important. However, the way the fire is lit is equally important.
Many people still use the traditional bottom-up fire-lighting method. Although it may seem natural, it produces more smoke, increases pollutant emissions and reduces combustion efficiency. A much better solution is the Swiss fire-lighting method, also known as top-down lighting. It enables cleaner, more efficient and more environmentally friendly combustion. Today, this method is recommended by many wood-heating specialists.
What is the Swiss fire-lighting method?
The principle is very simple – instead of lighting the fire beneath the logs, it is lit on top of them.
The largest logs are placed at the bottom of the firebox and then covered with smaller pieces of wood. Small kindling and a firelighter are placed at the very top. The fire is lit exclusively from above.
The combustion process gradually moves downwards. The gases released as the wood burns pass through the flames, where they are almost completely combusted. This significantly reduces smoke and pollutant emissions.
Why is this method more efficient?
Less smoke from the moment the fire is lit
The first few minutes of burning are usually when the most smoke is produced. Lighting the fire from the top significantly reduces this effect, improving combustion quality from the very beginning.
Cleaner combustion
By more effectively burning the gases released from the wood, the Swiss method reduces particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions. This helps limit the environmental impact of wood heating and improves air quality.
Higher energy efficiency
Better control of the combustion process allows more of the energy contained in the wood to be used. This means more heat from the same amount of fuel and greater appliance efficiency.
Cleaner glass
More complete combustion means less soot and fewer deposits. As a result, the stove glass remains clear for longer, providing a beautiful view of the flames and reducing the need for cleaning.
A cleaner chimney flue
Less soot and creosote means less contamination of the chimney. This improves the safety of the installation and reduces how often it needs to be maintained.
How do you light a fire correctly from the top?
It is very simple and takes only a moment.
-
Place the largest logs at the bottom of the firebox.
-
Place smaller pieces of wood on top of them.
-
Place small kindling and a firelighter at the very top.
-
Light the fire exclusively from the top.
-
Keep the air supply fully open until the flame has stabilised.
-
Always use well-seasoned wood with a moisture content below 20%.
Why does DOVRE recommend this method?
DOVRE stoves and fireplaces are designed to deliver high performance, excellent energy efficiency and low pollutant emissions.
To make full use of their capabilities, it is important to follow the correct operating practices. Top-down lighting helps optimise the combustion process, increase thermal comfort and reduce the environmental impact of wood heating.
When combined with high-quality, well-seasoned wood, this method also helps extend the lifespan of the appliance and ensures optimal performance for many years.
Summary
Using the Swiss fire-lighting method requires only a few extra seconds, yet it offers many benefits: less smoke, cleaner combustion, lower wood consumption, cleaner glass for longer and greater heating efficiency.
It is a simple, effective and responsible way to make full use of the capabilities of a DOVRE stove or fireplace while also protecting the natural environment.
