Even in ancient times, people used water and steam for he alth procedures. This is mentioned in many historical sources. But even today, the popularity of the bath is only increasing.
Let's flood the bathhouse?
Bath procedures represent a whole ritual for which you need to carefully prepare. Every steam fan should know how to properly heat a bath. To do this, you will have to understand some of the intricacies of this art.
Before carrying out the procedures, of course, it is necessary to heat the room well. Modern people use different equipment: electric or gas boilers. But real lovers appreciate only wood heating. After all, it is the smell of firewood that gives that unusual atmosphere, the bath spirit. How to heat a Russian bath? This is a whole art, which can be mastered with some effort. Well, practice will help you quickly master all the tricks.
Classic sauna
The classic Russian banya is most often heated by wood-burning stoves. Between themselves, they may differ somewhat in design, but the principle of operation is the same. It itself is built in a separate room, or it can be placed in some large building. Inside, it has at least two parts: the steam room itself and the dressing room. Fans of contrasting procedures, if the area allows, also build a pool. Walls are best built from wood. Old Russian baths were always built like a log hut, only the windows and doors were cut down to a small size, this was done in order to better keep warm inside. Modern buildings are built from different building materials, their choice on the market is now huge. But in any case, the interior decoration should only be made of natural wood. At high temperatures and humidity, the use of synthetics is strictly not allowed.
The device of the sauna stove
To ensure the correct temperature and humidity conditions, the water heating stove is placed in such a way that all rooms are heated at the same time. Knowing how to heat the stove in the bath, what is its arrangement, you can easily create the desired microclimate in the room.
A classic oven is built according to some rules.
- A door and a blower are located at the bottom, from here air is supplied to the area where the fuel burns.
- Grates are a massive steel or cast-iron grate on which firewood is stacked.
- The ash zone, or combustion chamber, is the main unit of the furnace, complete combustion of fuel and heat generation take place here.
- On top is a steam heater and a steel or stainless steel water tank.
- Removal of combustion products from the ash zone occurs through the chimney. To regulate traction in itinstall dampers.
The principles of operation of the sauna stove are quite simple, but not everyone can immediately achieve stable combustion. Often there is an attenuation of fuel. How to heat the bath, what fuel to use? True connoisseurs of such procedures never use flammable liquids for ignition.
What wood to heat the bath?
Fuel (wood) plays the most important role in heating. A lot depends on the breed: how much heat will be released, how long the burning will be. In addition, the atmosphere created by the unique aroma that appears in the process of burning firewood is also important.
In Russia, birch logs are considered traditional for baths. Some also use coniferous wood, but it should be borne in mind that such firewood burns out very quickly. Solid woods (ash, oak) have excellent heat dissipation. But these rocks are valuable, it will be expensive to drown them.
Firewood storage
It is necessary to harvest firewood in advance, because after chopping and subsequent drying, they dry out completely after a year. Before heating the bath, you need to check all the firewood well, they must be absolutely dry. During the combustion of wet logs, heat transfer is minimal, and a lot of wet steam is formed, it immediately cools the channels in the furnace, and condensate settles on the cold walls. This could render the entire chimney unusable.
The operation of the stove, its efficiency is completely dependent on the quality of firewood. They must be dry andhave the same size, their thickness should be about 6-8 cm. At the very beginning, it is better to use small dry pieces for kindling; shavings, wood chips, birch bark or paper are suitable for initial sunbathing. Never use kerosene or gasoline.
Store firewood in dry, ventilated areas or under sheds. In the cold season, before kindling the sauna, it is best to bring firewood into the room so that they warm up.
Preparation of the premises
Before you heat the bath, you need to prepare the room. Put the walls, shelves in order, wash, ventilate the rooms. Fresh air and clean environment will create the best conditions for wellness treatments. The stones from the steam room must be rinsed in clean water and put back in the same order. The heating container must be thoroughly rinsed and filled with fresh water. The water in the tanks and the pool is also updated. In the dressing room, prepare clean towels, sheets, and other necessary accessories. Also, take care of drinks in advance, these can be various herbal decoctions, tea, kvass, plain water. It is strictly forbidden to take alcoholic beverages during the procedures, this can adversely affect the general well-being.
Firing the stove
In order to learn how to properly heat a bath, you need to study some of the nuances that will help you master this simple science. First of all, it should be noted that the stove must be in good condition, only dry fuel should be used for kindling.
First you need to clean the blower and the grate from the ashes. The flue dampers must be fully opened. In the combustion chamber in the form of a hut, lay small chips, compressed paper, put four medium-sized logs on top, but so that they do not touch. Light the paper and close the door to prevent the smoke from pouring into the room.
Gradually, larger chips, small logs are added to the seed fire. Remember that the blower at this time should be completely open, the flow of oxygen allows the flame to flare up better. Gradually, the chimney will warm up, a steady draft will be created.
Use a poker to properly level the burnt-out coals. Fill the firebox a third full with dry logs. At the initial stage, firewood is placed carefully so as not to extinguish the flame. When a characteristic buzz appears, this means that the stove has warmed up and requires a sufficient amount of fuel. New logs should be slipped closer to the door. Do not let the fire go out until the room and the water in the boiler are fully heated.
In two hours, the coals inside will turn scarlet. It's time to push the pipe valve halfway. It can be completely closed only when the carbon monoxide has evaporated. How can this be determined? Turn the coals with a poker, blue flame should not slip anywhere, this is carbon monoxide, which is dangerous not only for he alth, but also for life.
Follow the kindling rules
Every fan of the Russian bath just needs to learn how to properly kindle and become an amateurthis process. After a few sessions, understanding of the matter and experience will come. But it is worth noting that learning how to properly heat a bath is not all. In the process, be sure to monitor the stove. In order to reduce draft in a heated chimney, you need to close the dampers in time. The blower door must also be covered, but not completely. In order for the heat in the firebox to be uniform, firewood must arrive on time, as needed. After the procedures are completed, the oven must cool completely. After that, you need to remove the ashes from it, and clean the room. Let your bath rest until the next session. Enjoy your bath!
