On a Leenders fireplace stove and other modern wood stoves, you will find a slider. This is the air slider with which you can, as you might guess, regulate the air supply to the combustion chamber. On this page, we will explain how to use the air slider most effectively.
When lighting your wood stove, we recommend fully opening the air slider. This allows your stove to benefit from maximum air supply. It promotes smooth combustion and reduces smoke development. The best way to light your wood stove is using the Swiss fire-lighting method.
Once the fire is burning well and evenly, you can partially close the slider to regulate the intensity of the flames and optimize heat output. Be careful not to close the air slider too early or too much, as this can lead to incomplete combustion and unwanted smoke formation.
When adding wood, we recommend first fully opening the air slider. This minimizes smoke entering your room during refueling. Also, check out our advice on refueling your wood stove.
Allow the fire to burn out naturally and keep the air slider fully open to safely vent remaining smoke and gases. Do not completely close the slider while there are still flames, as this can cause smoke buildup and the accumulation of harmful gases. Never use the air slider to abruptly extinguish the fire by fully closing it. This can lead to smoke backflow and carbon monoxide accumulation.
We want to emphasize that these are general recommendations. Therefore, we always advise reading the instructions for your wood stove carefully.
Some wood stoves also have a damper to regulate the air supply. New Leenders fireplace stoves do not require a damper, as you can perfectly control the air supply using the air slider.
Are you a wood stove enthusiast and eager to gain more knowledge? Visit our wood stove knowledge library!