How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood-burning stoves are a beautiful addition to any home. They are best used with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves that didn't use secondary combustion allowed air to get into the chimney, and burn above and below the fuel leading to the loss of energy and polluting.

Modern wood stoves use a superior combustion principle that divides air supply into two phases. This results in greater efficiency in heating and lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of your wood stove is a measurement of how effectively your wood is converted 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 efficiency in combustion and heating efficiency will use less fuel, and generate less waste such as steam and carbon monoxide.

Modern wood stoves usually have high efficiency in combustion, as they have sophisticated design features that allow them to maximize their burn and make use of less wood. These stoves also tend to emit less emissions, particularly stoves certified by the EPA that require a catalytic combustor to purify exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are an ideal option for homeowners looking to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of a wood stove.

A proper operation and maintenance routine will increase the efficiency of your stove. The most important factor is to control the combustion process. This can be achieved by adding small pieces of wood regularly and maintaining a good burning stove. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote inside the chimney, which can make the stove less efficient.

Another key element in the efficiency of wood stoves is the use of properly dried, seasoned firewood that has less than 20%. Dry, seasoned firewood will not only produce more heat from the same fuel, but will also create 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 releases in an hour. To comply with the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion process or catalytic combustor in order to manage combustion and reduce the amount of pollution they emit. If you're looking to purchase a wood burning stove that is in compliance with EPA emission standards, look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission rate lower than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves make use of a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals, such as platinum or palladium. The combustor functions in like the car's catalyst does to clean your exhaust. When smoke passes through the combustor at high temperatures noble metals react with the particulates and chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down to harmless end products such as carbon dioxide and water.

This lets the stove burn cleaner and lower emissions than non-catalytic models without losing efficiency or heat output. The combustor is most efficient when the flue gas temperature is at least 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. When the fire is lit in a low flame the gases inside the stove do not reach this temperature, and the combustor isn't functioning properly.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, painted or treated wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials could cause "masking" that covers the cells of the combustor with a substance which prevents it from functioning according to its intended. Masking may also result from closing the bypass damper too shortly or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor 913875.xyz cells are not regularly cleaned of fly-ash and creosote it could cause smoke leakage.

The combustor, if properly operated and placed it will last for years of reliable operation. It requires little maintenance, aside from getting rid of the soot off its surface after a long burn and dusting it periodically with a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor comes with a bypass damper which is open to begin the fire, and then closed when you're ready to load your stove. Check the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator which shows when your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The bypass damper being opened too quickly will reduce the operating range of the combustor. Closing the bypass damper too soon will decrease the temperature at which the inlet is pumped to the combustor, and could cause damage to it. Check the manual of your stove for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also contact our customer service department if you need assistance.

Airflow Controls

Controls of air flow are vital to ensure that your wood stove burns safely and efficiently. The primary air systems work together to allow your fire to burn effectively. Each one plays a different role in the combustion process.

The air control that is located below or inside the door of your stove, controls amount of air that is allowed to enter the firebox. More air means a faster-burning fire but it also increases the chances of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. Ideally, the primary air control should be opened for a short time when lighting your wood stove.

When you have attained the desired level of heat then you can slowly shut the primary air control until the desired temperature is achieved. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke, as this indicates inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to inject oxygen into the top of your stove, typically in the form air jets that are placed above the fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling your fire. Without it, your fire will burn too fast and produce an excessive amount of smoke.

Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the stove's airflow system. It is fed into the updraft section or chimney. This makes a strong draft in the flue, allowing your stove to function at its peak.

It is crucial to keep in mind that your wood stove was specifically designed and optimized for Www.913875.Xyz burning wood for fire. Other types of combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and could cause high levels of emissions and potentially chimney fires. The most efficient type of combustion fuel is wood that has been dried for at minimum six months, but softwood works just as well. Avoid using manmade combustibles like cardboard and paper, as these can cause toxic fumes and the build-up of creosote or ash within your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing logs or other combustibles in the vicinity of your stove as they may explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves are an efficient alternative to heat sources, especially if you live in a region with frequent power outages. However, they can also be risky if they are used in a way that is not properly. They can produce harmful chemical substances that can be harmful to your health. They also can create a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can minimize these dangers by taking simple safety guidelines.

Use only clean, dry firewood for your stove. Do not use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper or other flammable materials to start or rekindle a flame. Never burn treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen to enter. In small amounts, Www.913875.Xyz add wood and make sure you don't let the fire go out of control. If you are in a smoke-control room do not make use of an indoor fire.

Check that your stove and chimney have been installed correctly. Poorly installed wood stoves could cause a fire to the chimney, which can release harmful gases into your home. Regularly checking and 913875 cleaning the chimney is also essential. Check that the chimney flue doesn't leak, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Place your wood in a shed, or under a sheet of tarp. This will allow the wood get more seasoned and dry more quickly. It is also important to keep the firewood from other sources of heat to decrease fire risks. It's recommended to put your stove on a non-flammable surface, like tiles on the floor.

If you have children, be sure to supervise them around the stove. They may try to touch the fire or play with the hot ash, which can be dangerous. In addition, it is recommended to keep all flammable items at least three feet away from the stove. Consider installing a heat-shield to shield walls and surfaces from damage. It is also advisable to encourage your family to practice fire drills at home. This will help you to get out of your home in case of emergency. For more tips on keeping your home safe take a look at our article on fire escape routes in the event of a house fire.