How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be a lovely addition to any home. However, they should be used only with properly seasoned logs.

Older stoves that didn't have secondary combustion allowed air to enter the chimney and burn above and below the fuel which resulted in the loss of energy and polluting.

Modern wood stoves employ an advanced combustion technique that splits the air supply into two phases. This results in greater efficiency in heating and lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of combustion in a wood stove is an indicator of how efficiently the wood you use is turned into heat. The efficiency of heating transfer is the degree to which heat is transferred from your stove to a room. A wood burning stove with high efficiency of combustion and heat transfer will use less fuel and produce less waste, like carbon monoxide, ash, and steam.

Modern wood stoves usually feature high combustion efficiency because they feature sophisticated design features that enable them to maximize the burning and require less wood. They also tend to have lower emissions, www.5829186.xyz especially when using EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor to clean exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are an excellent choice for those seeking to lessen their impact on the environment, while still enjoying the warmth and convenience of a wood burning stove.

Enhancing the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of proper operation and maintenance. The most important thing 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 regularly. This will help prevent the accumulation of flammable creosote inside the chimney which can cause the stove to become less efficient.

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

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that restrict the amount of smoke and other harmful substances a new stove can release within an hour. To comply with the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves use secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor to control combustion and minimize the amount of pollutants they release. To find a wood stove that is in line with the EPA emission standards, choose one that has an EPA certification sticker and a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves utilize a honeycomb combustor made of ceramic that is coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platin. The combustor is like the catalyst in your car that cleans your exhaust. When smoke is pushed through the combustor at high temperatures, 5829186 the noble metals react with particles and www.5829186.xyz (Www.5829186.xyz) the chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down to harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn more efficiently than non-catalytic models, without loss of the heat output or efficiency. The combustor performs best when the temperature of the flue gas is at least 1,000degF. If the fire is burnt at a low temperature the gases inside the stove aren't able to reach this temperature, and the combustor won't function properly.

The combustor could be damaged by burning foreign substances like paper, trash logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these materials may result in "masking" that covers the combustor's cells with an ingredient, which prevents it from functioning effectively. Masking may also result from closing the bypass damper to soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cell is not regularly cleaned of fly-ash and creosote, it can cause smoke leakage.

When properly operated and placed, the combustor will operate to give years of reliable performance. It will require very little maintenance other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a prolonged burn and periodically dusting it off with a dry, soft bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with a bypass damper which is open to start a fire and shut to load the stove. Check the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which indicates that your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor may be decreased if you close the bypass damper too early. Closing the bypass too early can reduce the temperature of the combustor's outlet and cause damage. Consult your stove's manual for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also contact our customer service department should you require assistance.

Control of Airflow

Controlling air flow is essential to ensure that your wood stove burns safely and efficiently. The primary, secondary and tertiary air systems cooperate to enable your fire to burn efficiently. Each system plays a unique role in the combustion process.

The primary air control, situated either below or within the door of your stove, controls amount of air that is allowed to enter the firebox. More air will burn the fire more quickly, but it can also increase the risk of creosote and chimney smoke. Ideally, the primary air control should be open for a brief period prior to lighting your wood stove.

When your fire has built up enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat generated. The stove or chimney should not emit any smoke since this could indicate the combustion is not efficient.

Secondary airflow controls supply oxygen into the top of your stove, usually in the form of air jets that are placed above the fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling your flame. Your fire will burn too quickly and produce large amounts smoke without it.

The secondary airflow, the final step in your stove's airflow systems is fed into the chimney or updraft. This creates a strong draft in the flue, which allows your stove to function at its peak.

It is important to note that your wood stove was designed and optimized to burn firewood only. Other types of combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and can result in high levels of emissions and potentially chimney fires. The best kind of fuel to use is seasoned hardwood that has been dried for at least six months, though softwood can be used as well. Avoid using cardboard and paper as they can emit toxic fumes or cause ash and creosote to build within your stove. It is also a good idea to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles on the top of your fire in case this causes them to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can be a great alternative to electricity, especially if your area is prone to frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if used incorrectly. They can create harmful chemicals that can harm your health. They also can create an ignition risk and result in carbon monoxide poisoning. You can reduce the risk by taking some simple precautions.

Make sure you use only dry, clean firewood in your wood-burning stove. Never make use of gasoline, 5829186 kerosene, charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper, or any other flammable materials to start or rekindle a flame. Never burn painted or treated wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen to enter. Always add wood in small amounts and don't let the fire smolder. If you live in a smoke-control room don't make use of an indoor fire.

Make sure that your chimney and stove are properly installed. A poorly constructed wood stove could cause an explosion in the chimney that could release harmful gases into your home. Cleaning and inspecting the chimney is essential. Verify that the chimney flue does not leak, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is a good idea to store your wood in a shed or Www.5829186.Xyz a Tarp. This can allow the wood to get seasoned and dry quicker. You should also keep the firewood from other sources of heat to minimize the chance of fire. It's also a good idea to put your stove on a non-flammable surface, like tiles.

If you have young children, be sure to keep them away from the stove. They might try to play with the ash that is hot or touch the fire, which is dangerous. In addition, it is recommended to keep all flammable objects at least three feet from the stove. It is also recommended to install a heat shield to safeguard walls and other surfaces from damage. It's also an excellent idea to have your family practice fire drills at home. This will allow you to get out of your home in an emergency. Read our article on fire escape routes to ensure your home safe.