How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood-burning stoves are stunning additions to any home. They are best used with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves without secondary combustion admitted air between and above the fuel, resulting in the loss of energy, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

Modern wood stoves employ superior combustion principles that splits air supply into two phases. This lets them improve the efficiency of heating while generating lower emissions levels.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of the combustion of the wood stove is an indicator of how efficiently the wood you use is turned into heat. The efficiency of the heating transfer is the amount that heat is transferred from the stove to a room. A wood burning stove with high combustion and heating transfer efficiencies will require less fuel and create less waste, including carbon monoxide, ash, and steam.

Modern wood stoves generally feature high combustion efficiency because they feature sophisticated design features that allow them to maximize the burning and require less wood. They also have low emission levels and are especially effective with EPA certified stoves that require a specific catalytic combustor, which cleans the exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are a good choice for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of wood stoves.

A proper operation and maintenance routine can improve the efficiency of your stove. The most important aspect is to ensure the combustion process is controlled, which is accomplished by ensuring a steady fire in the stove by regular additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote within the chimney, which can make the stove less efficient.

Another crucial aspect in the efficiency of wood stoves is the use of properly dried and seasoned firewood with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. Dry, seasoned firewood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel, but will also produce less smoke and air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that restrict the amount of smoke and other pollutants that a new stove can emit in an hour. To meet the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion process or a catalytic combustor to manage combustion and reduce the amount of pollutants they release. If you want to find an wood-burning stove that complies with EPA emission standards, then look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hr.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves make use of a special ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals such as palladium or platinum. The combustor functions similarly to the catalyst in your car that cleans the exhaust. The noble metals contained in the combustor react with the chemicals and particulates in the smoke breaking them into harmless end products like water and carbon dioxide.

This allows the stove to produce lower emissions and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models without losing the heat output or efficiency. The combustor operates most efficiently when the temperature of the gas in the flue is 1,000degF or more. The combustor cannot work properly if the flame is ignited in a low flame.

The combustor may be damaged by burning foreign substances like paper, trash logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these materials may cause "masking", which protects the cells of the combustor with an ingredient, which prevents it from functioning correctly. Masking can occur due to closing the bypass damper too soon or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cell isn't regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash, it can cause smoke leakage.

When properly operated and placed, the combustor will operate to provide years of efficient performance. It will require very little maintenance, other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a long burn and then cleaning it with a soft, dry brush.

The combustor has an bypass damper that can be open to begin the fire, and then closed when you're ready to reload your stove. The bypass damper should be checked for the "operate catalyst" indicator which shows when your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor could be diminished if you open the bypass damper too soon. Closing the bypass too early can reduce the temperature of the combustor's inlet and damage it. Check the manual of your stove for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also reach our customer service department if you need assistance.

Control of Airflow

Controls of air flow are vital to ensure that your wood stove is burning safely and efficiently. The primary secondary, tertiary and primary air systems work together to allow your fire to burn efficiently. Each of these systems plays a distinct role in the combustion process.

The primary air control is located below or inside the stove door. It controls the amount air that is able to enter the firebox. More air will burn the fire faster however it could also increase the risk of creosote and chimney smoke. Ideally, the primary air control should be opened wide for a brief period prior to lighting your wood stove.

Once you have attained the desired level of heat then you can slowly shut the air control that is primary until the desired heat is reached. It is essential to make sure that no smoke is being produced from the stove or chimney as this could indicate an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to inject oxygen into your stove's top, usually as air jets that are placed over your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Without it, 913875.xyz your fire will burn too quickly and will produce excessive amounts of smoke.

The tertiary airflow, which is the final step in the airflow systems of your stove, is fed into the chimney or updraft. This makes a strong draft in the flue, 913875 which allows your fire to function optimally.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was designed and optimised for burning wood for fire only. Any other combustion fuel will not be able to burn in your wood stove and can result in high levels emissions and possibly chimney fires. Softwood is also acceptable, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for at least six months. Avoid using paper and cardboard since they could release toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build up in your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing logs or any other combustibles in the vicinity of your stove as they may explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can provide a cost-effective alternative heat source particularly if you reside in a region with frequent power outages. However, they can be dangerous if used improperly. They can create harmful chemical substances that can cause harm to your health. They also can create a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. You can stay clear of these risks by taking a few simple precautions.

Make sure to use only clean, dry firewood in your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper, or any other flammable materials to start or rekindle a flame. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen into. Always add wood in small amounts and don't let the fire smolder. Don't use a fireplace in the indoors if you're in a smoke control zone.

Check that your chimney and stove are installed correctly. A poorly installed wood stove can cause a fire in the chimney that could release harmful gasses into your home. It is also important to ensure that the chimney is swept and inspected on a regular basis. Check that the chimney flue is not able to leak, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea to store your wood in a shed or a the tarp. This will help the wood to dry and season faster. You should also keep the firewood from other sources of heat to decrease fire risks. You should also place your stove on an inflammable surface like a tiled floor.

It is important to be aware of your children's activities around the stove if you have youngsters. They may try to play with the hot ash or touch the fire which could be dangerous. In addition, you should keep all items that are flammable at least three feet from the stove. Consider installing a heat-shield to shield walls and surfaces from damage. It's also an excellent idea for your family to practice fire drills at home. This will make it easier to get out of your home in the event of an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home safe take a look at our article on escape routes to a fire in the event of a house fire.