How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood-burning stoves can be a lovely addition to any home. However it is important to use them only with properly seasoned logs.

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

Modern wood stoves utilize an advanced combustion technique that splits the air supply into two phases. This allows them to improve the efficiency of heating while generating lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of combustion in a wood stove is a measure of how well the wood you use is turned into heat. It is different from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove to the room. A wood burning stove with high efficiency and combustion will require less fuel and produce less waste, such as carbon monoxide and steam.

Modern wood stoves usually have high efficiency in combustion, as they have sophisticated design features that enable them to maximize their burn and use less wood. They also have lower emissions particularly when using EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor that cleans exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves make an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their impact on our environment, while enjoying the warmth and the comfort of a wood-burning stove.

The improvement of the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of correct operation and maintenance. The most important thing is to ensure the combustion process is controlled, which can be achieved by maintaining a fire in the stove with regular additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will stop the build-up of flammable Creosote within the chimney that could reduce the efficiency of the stove.

A wood stove's efficiency is also affected by the use of dried and seasoned wood with a moisture content under 20%. Dry well-seasoned and seasoned wood will not only produce more heat from the same fuel, but will also cause less air pollution and smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants that an appliance 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. If you want to find an wood-burning stove that is in compliance with EPA emission standards, then search for one that has an EPA certification sticker. It should also have a smoke emission rate lower than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves use the honeycomb combustor, which is made of ceramic and is coated with noble metals, such as platin or palladium. The combustor is similar to the catalyst in your car that cleans the exhaust. When smoke is pushed through the combustor, at high temperatures, the noble metals react with the particulates and chemical compounds in the smoke to break them down into harmless end products such as water and carbon dioxide.

This allows the stove to achieve lower emissions and Www.913875.Xyz burn much cleaner than non-catalytic models without losing heat output or efficiency. The combustor performs its best when the gas temperature in the flue is 1,000degF or higher. The combustor won't function properly if the fire is ignited in a low flame.

Burning foreign materials, like paper logs, painted or treated wood, can cause damage to the combustor. The burning of these materials can result in "masking" that covers the cells of the combustor with a substance that stops it from performing as intended. Masking can also occur due to closing the bypass damper too quickly or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of fly-ash and creosote it could cause smoke leakage.

Properly operated and positioned the combustor will operate to provide years of reliable performance. It requires very little maintenance, aside from cleaning off the soot from its surface after a long burn and dusting it periodically with a soft dry bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with an bypass damper that is opened to ignite a fire and shut to load the stove. Check the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator which shows when your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor may be diminished if you open the bypass damper prematurely. Closing the bypass damper too early can reduce the temperature of the inlet to the combustor and may damage it. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to your stove's instruction manual or 913875.xyz (simply click for source) contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

The air flow controls in your wood stove are vital in ensuring that your fire burns safely and properly. The primary, secondary, and tertiary systems work together to ensure that your fire is burning efficiently. Each plays a unique role in the combustion process.

The main air control is situated beneath or inside the stove door. It regulates the amount of air that is able to enter the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire but it also increases the chance of creosote or 913875.Xyz chimney smokiness buildup. Ideally, the air control should be opened for a short period when lighting your wood stove.

Once the fire has developed enough heat, the main air control can be closed down slowly until you're satisfied with the amount of heat being generated. It is crucial to ensure that there isn't any smoke is coming out of the chimney or stove since this is a sign of inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls pump oxygen to the top of your stove, usually in the form of air jets placed above the fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Without it, your fire will burn too fast and produce large quantities 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, which allows your fire to perform optimally.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was designed and optimized to burn wood that is firewood only. Other types of combustibles do not be able to burn in your wood stove, resulting in excessive emissions and even chimney fires. Softwood is also suitable however, seasoned hardwood needs to be dried for at least six months. Avoid using combustibles that are made of paper and cardboard, as they can produce toxic fumes as well as buildups of ash or creosote within your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles on the top of your stove because this could cause the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves are an affordable alternative to heating particularly if you live in a location that has frequent power outages. They can be dangerous when used incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They can also create dangers to fire and can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. You can avoid these dangers by taking a few simple safety measures.

Make sure to use only dry, clean wood for your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to start or revive fires. Never burn treated wood or painted wood, or wet wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen in. In small amounts, add wood and make sure you don't let the fire go out of control. Never use an indoor fireplace if you're in a smoke control area.

Make sure that your chimney and stove are installed correctly. A poorly constructed wood stove could cause a chimney fire that can release toxic gasses into your home. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the chimney is essential. Verify that the chimney flue is not able to leak, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea to store your wood in a shed or Tarp. This will allow the wood to season and dry quicker. To minimize the risk of fire, you should keep the wood from other heat sources. It is recommended to set your stove on a non-flammable surface such as tiles.

If you have children who are young ensure that you be sure to supervise them around the stove. They may try to touch the fire or play with the ash that is hot, which could be risky. You should also keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. It is also recommended to install an air shield to protect walls and other surfaces from damage. You should also encourage your family to participate in fire drills at home. This can help you escape your home in the case of an emergency. Read our article on fire escape routes to ensure your home safe.