How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are a beautiful 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 get into the chimney and burn both above and below the fuel which resulted in energy loss and pollution.

Modern wood stoves use superior combustion methods that separates the air supply into two phases. This allows for higher heating efficiency with lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of a wood stove is a measure of how well your wood is transformed into heat. The efficiency of heating transfer is the degree to which heat is transferred from your stove to the room. A wood burning stove with high combustion and 913875 heating transfer efficiencies will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, including ash, carbon monoxide, and steam.

Modern wood stoves usually feature high combustion efficiency due to their sophisticated design features that allow them to maximize their burn and require less wood. These stoves also tend to emit low levels of emissions, especially EPA-certified stoves that require a catalytic combustor in order to purify exhaust gases as they exit the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are a good option for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of a wood stove.

Enhancing the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of proper operation and maintenance. The most important aspect is to ensure the combustion process is controlled. This is achieved by maintaining a fire in the stove by regular additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will prevent the accumulation of flammable creosote inside the chimney which can reduce the efficiency of the stove.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned wood with less than 20%. Dry and seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same fuel, but it will also emit less air pollution and generate less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that restrict the amount of smoke and other pollutants a new stove can release in an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion, or catalytic combustor, to reduce emissions and comply with EPA guidelines. To find a wood stove that is in line with the EPA emission standards, look for one that is adorned with an EPA certification sticker and a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves use a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals, such as platinum or palladium. The combustor is like the catalyst in your car that cleans your exhaust. When smoke passes through the combustor at high temperatures, the noble metals react with particulates and chemicals in the smoke to break them down into harmless end products such as water and carbon dioxide.

This lets the stove burn cleaner and produce less emissions than non-catalytic models, without loss of efficiency or heat output. The combustor is the most efficient when the flue gas temperature is at or above 1,000degF. When the fire is lit at a low temperature, the gases inside the stove aren't able to reach this temperature and the combustor isn't functioning properly.

Burning foreign materials, like paper logs, painted or treated wood, Www.913875.Xyz (Www.913875.xyz) can damage the combustor. The burning of these substances can result in "masking" which covers the combustor's cells with an ingredient, which prevents it from functioning effectively. Masking can occur due to closing the bypass damper too soon or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar, a plugging could occur, causing smoke spillage.

If properly operated and positioned, 913875.xyz the combustor will operate to give years of reliable performance. It will require minimal maintenance, other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a prolonged burn and then cleaning it with a dry, soft bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with an bypass damper that can be opened to ignite 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 ideal temperature range. Opening the bypass damper too soon will decrease the operating range of the combustor. If you close the bypass damper too soon will reduce the inlet temperature to the combustor and could damage it. Consult your stove's manual for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also reach our customer service department should you require assistance.

Control of Airflow

The air flow controls in your wood stove are essential to ensure that the fire burns safely and properly. The primary, secondary, and tertiary systems work together to ensure that your fire burns efficiently. Each one plays a different function in the process of combustion.

The air control that is located beneath or inside the door of your stove, controls the quantity of air allowed to enter the firebox. More air will ignite the fire faster, but it can also increase the chance of smoke and creosote. The ideal is that the air control should be opened wide for a short time when lighting your wood stove.

Once you've reached the desired temperature then you can slowly shut the air control that is primary until the desired temperature has been attained. It is important to make sure that no smoke is being produced from the chimney or stove as it is a sign of inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls pump oxygen into the top of your stove, typically in the form of air jets positioned above your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your fire. Without it, your fire will burn too quickly and create an excessive amount of smoke.

The secondary airflow, which is the final stage of your stove's airflow systems, is fed into the updraft or chimney. This creates an effective draft inside the flue, which allows your fire to reach its peak efficiency.

It is crucial to remember that the wood stove you have was designed and optimized for burning firewood only. Other types of combustibles do not be able to burn in your wood stove, which can cause excessive emissions, and even chimney fires. The best kind of combustion fuel is seasoned hardwood that has been dried for at minimum six months, but softwood can be used as well. Avoid using combustibles made from cardboard and paper, since they can produce toxic fumes and build ups of creosote or ash within your stove. Avoid placing logs or other combustibles on your fire as they can explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves can be a great alternative to electricity, particularly if your area is prone to frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if utilized incorrectly. They can release harmful chemicals that can affect your health. They may also create a fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. You can reduce the risk by taking a few simple safety measures.

Make sure to use only clean, dry firewood for your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid, wrapping paper or other flammable substances to start or rekindle fire. Never burn treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen in. Always add wood in small amounts and make sure that the fire doesn't get too hot. If you live in a smoke-control zone do not make use of an indoor fire.

Check that your stove and chimney have been installed correctly. Wood stoves that are not properly installed can ignite a fire in the chimney, which could release harmful gases into your home. Cleaning and inspecting the chimney is also essential. Verify that the chimney flue does not leak, which could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Place your wood in a shed or under a sheet of tarp. This can help the wood get more seasoned and dry faster. To reduce the risk of fire, keep the wood away from other heat sources. It's recommended to set your stove on a non-flammable surface such as tiles on the floor.

If you have children, be sure to supervise them around the stove. They might play with the ash that is hot or touch the flame which could be dangerous. It is recommended to keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. Consider installing a heat shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. You should also encourage your family to participate in fire drills at home. This can help you escape your home in the event of an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home secure, check out our article on escape routes to a fire in the event of a home fire.