When should I close the vents on my wood stove?

Author: Hassan Walsh  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

“Vents should be closed or nearly closed once the fire is well-established, to control the burn rate and conserve fuel,” says Declan Walsh. “This slows down the fire, making it burn more efficiently over time. It's also crucial for maintaining overnight burns without consuming wood too quickly.”

When to close the vent on a wood stove?

Once the fire is established, close the door and then close down the bottom air vent gradually. If the fire dies right down at this point, open the bottom vent slightly for a bit longer until the fire is better established.

Should wood burner vents be open or closed at night?

When you go to bed you want to ensure your fire goes out consistently and over a period of time. Don't shut off the air vents completely but close them right down as this will limit the amount of air that gets into the chamber so the fire will slowly die out.

Does a wood stove burn hotter with the damper open or closed?

A wide-open damper will increase the amount of air reaching the fire and improve combustion. As a result, the fire will burn hotter. When you're not using your fireplace, be sure to close the damper to prevent indoor heat from escaping.

When to close the damper on a wood stove?

Keep it fully open until all embers and coals have burned out. This will allow smoke and other combustion by-products to exit the fireplace safely and up the chimney. Close the damper after the fire, and the coals have completely burned out.

How to use the air vents in your Henley Stove

When should the damper be closed?

The damper should be kept closed when there is no fire or coals burning. Warm air from your home will not be lost up the chimney when the fireplace is not being used. Fully open the damper before your start a fire and keep it fully open until all embers and coals have burned out.

How much heat is lost through an open chimney?

Warm air from your home naturally rises, and an open chimney provides an easy escape route. In fact, it's estimated that up to 30% of your home's heated air can be lost through an open chimney when the fire isn't in use.

Does closing the damper make the fire last longer?

However, partially closing the damper will reduce the oxygen level in the chimney. This will reduce the burn rate resulting in a longer fire. It will also create a downdraft that will force the heated air back into the fireplace, thus increasing its efficiency.

How to maximize wood stove heat?

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  1. Use a stove pipe thermometer.
  2. Burn only dry, seasoned wood for better combustion.
  3. Use a heat shield to direct more heat into the room.
  4. Harness your stove's heat for cooking and boiling the kettle.
  5. Check the seals on your stove.
  6. Don't overfill the stove – allow for air circulation.

How to prevent backdraft in a wood stove?

Adequate Air Supply: Adjust the stove's air vents and consider slightly opening a window in the same room when starting the fire to introduce fresh air and help balance the pressure. Regular Chimney Maintenance: Ensure your chimney is clean and free from obstructions.

How do you keep a wood stove burning all night?

To do this, adjust air vents or inlets as needed to control the amount of oxygen entering the stove. A balance between air intake and fuel consumption prevents the fire from smoldering or burning too rapidly. Avoid completely closing air intakes, as it may lead to insufficient oxygen supply and reduced burn efficiency.

What wood stove has the longest burn time?

The Blaze King 'King 40' is the most efficient wood stove in the world at 81% efficiency. This wood stove boasts a 40-hour burn time and has the largest and deepest firebox of any stove on the market.

How to get the best heat out of a wood stove?

  1. Light the fire properly. ...
  2. Use the correct amount of fuel. ...
  3. Maintain an efficient temperature. ...
  4. Control the air flows. ...
  5. Use the right type of fuel. ...
  6. Circulate the heat from your wood stove. ...
  7. Keep your stove clean and well maintained.

Does a wood stove heat better with the door open or closed?

The short answer is closed. And in most stoves it's better to close the door as soon as possible. The reason is quite simple. With the door closed, your stove is up to 60% more efficient than if you have the door open.

What is the proper way to vent a wood stove?

If placed inside a proper enclosure within the envelope of the home, venting systems for wood-burning units can be routed through the ceiling. Another way to do this is to use a purpose-built chimney envelope or chase secured to the exterior of the home.

Is it okay to burn bark in a wood stove?

In a fire pit (or wood stove), yes - absolutely burn the bark. It holds BTUs just like the rest of the wood and should have only marginally different humidity.

How do I get the maximum burn time on my wood stove?

Aim for the longest possible warm and comforting fires by adhering to these practices:
  1. Use well-seasoned wood.
  2. Prefer burning hardwood.
  3. Load the firebox to its full capacity.
  4. Adjust the air damper to a 'low airflow' setting.
  5. Enjoy prolonged hours of soothing warmth and comfort!

What is the most efficient temp for a wood stove?

Wood stove surface temperatures should be kept below 200-300°F (93-149°C) for safety. Flue temperatures should range from 300-600°F (149-316°C) for efficient combustion. Firebox temperatures can reach 800-1200°F (427-649°C) or higher. Regular chimney cleaning and proper air supply are crucial for optimal performance.

Should the air vent be open or closed on a wood burning stove?

You shall allow the wood burning to end properly

Let the air vent be open until all the fuel is completely burnt. If there are bits of charcoal left, you can keep these for the next fire. But do remove the ashes. When the stove is not in operation, close the air vents to avoid heat loss through the chimney.

When should you close your damper?

The damper is designed to be shut when the fireplace is not in use and can be easily opened when it is. It's common to forget to close the damper after a fire goes out, however, and that leaves a big hole through which heated or cooled air can escape the house.

Does closing a damper increase heat?

By not creating an airtight seal, these dampers minimize the strain on the system. In summer, you can close the dampers downstairs so cooler air reaches upstairs rooms. But in winter, closing upstairs vents halfway allows heat to rise.

How to get a wood stove to burn hot?

To get the most heat out of a wood stove, ensure proper airflow by keeping the air vents open as needed, use seasoned hardwood for burning, maintain a clean stove, and utilize a stove fan to distribute heat. Proper installation and regular maintenance are also key to maximizing efficiency.

What temperature do chimney fires start?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, Creosote can ignite at temperatures as low as 451 degrees F (for context, a fire in your fireplace can burn in excess of 450 degrees F), and even just a 1/8” buildup of creosote is considered high enough to cause a chimney fire.

Is it bad to leave your chimney flue open?

It's best to keep the flue closed when the fireplace is not in use. Should it stay open for too long cold air, debris, rain, and even animals can make their way inside your home.

How to stop all the heat going up the chimney?

One easy and sustainable solution is to install a sheep's wool draught excluder. These come in both rectangular and circular shapes and in a range of sizes to fit any chimney. They're a kind of wool pad with a handle on one side so that they can be placed just inside the chimney.

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