How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are a lovely addition to any home. They are best used with wood that has been properly seasoned.

Older stoves that didn't use secondary combustion allowed air to enter the chimney and burn above and below the fuel, causing energy loss and pollution.

Modern wood stoves use a superior combustion principle that separates the air supply into two stages. This allows them to achieve higher heating efficiencies with lower emissions levels.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of your wood stove is a measurement of how efficiently your wood is transformed into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer, which is the amount of heat that gets from your stove into the room. A wood-burning stove with high combustion and heating efficiency will use less fuel, and generate less waste such as carbon monoxide and steam.

Modern wood stoves have high efficiency in combustion, due to their advanced design. They maximize the burn while using less wood. They also tend to emit less emissions, especially stoves certified by the EPA that require a catalytic combustion combustor to remove exhaust gases after they exit the stove. These cleaner stoves are an excellent choice for those seeking to lessen their impact on the surroundings, while still enjoying the warmth and the comfort of a wood-burning stove.

A proper operation and maintenance routine can improve the efficiency of your stove. The most important thing is to ensure that the combustion process is controlled, which can be achieved by maintaining a fire in the stove by frequent additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote in the chimney, which could reduce the efficiency of the stove.

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

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that limit the amount of smoke and 913875 other pollutants that a new stove releases within 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 pollution they release. To find a wood stove that meets the EPA emission standards, search for one with an EPA certification label and a smoke emission rate of less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves use a ceramic honeycomb combustor that is coated with noble metals, such as platin or palladium. The combustor functions similarly 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 particles and the chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down into harmless products such as carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to burn cleaner and lower emissions than non-catalytic models, without losing efficiency or heat output. The combustor 913875 performs best when the flue gas temperature is at or above 1,000degF. When the fire is lit at a low temperature the gases in the stove don't attain this temperature and the combustor will not function properly.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, treated or painted wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can cause "masking" which protects the cells of the combustor with some substance, preventing it from performing effectively. Masking can also result from closing the bypass damper too soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells aren't cleaned regularly of creosote, fly-ash and tar, a plugging may occur which causes smoke to spill out.

If properly operated and positioned, the combustor will give years of reliable performance. It will require very little maintenance, other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a prolonged burn and regularly dusting it off with a soft, dry brush.

The combustor has a bypass damper that is opened to start the fire, and then closed when you're ready for reloading your stove. Make sure to check the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which shows that 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 early. Closing the bypass damper too soon will decrease the temperature at which the inlet is pumped to the combustor and may damage it. If you're unsure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to the instruction manual for your stove or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

Air flow controls are essential to ensure that your wood stove is burning safely and efficiently. The primary air systems cooperate to enable your fire to burn efficiently. Each of these systems plays a distinct function in the process of combustion.

The primary air control is situated beneath or inside the stove door. It regulates the amount of air that enters the firebox. More air means a faster-burning fire but it also increases the chance of creosote and chimney smokiness buildup. Ideally, the air control should be open for a short period when lighting your wood stove.

After the fire has developed enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat generated. It is important to make sure that no smoke is emitted from the chimney or stove as it is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are used to inject oxygen into the stove's top, usually as air jets placed above your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Without it, your fire will burn too quickly and create large quantities of smoke.

Tertiary airflow is the last stage of your stove's airflow system and is carried into the updraft area or chimney. This helps to create a strong draft within the flue, which allows your fire to reach its highest efficiency.

It is important to keep in mind that the wood stove you have was designed and optimised for burning wood that is firewood only. Any other type of combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove, and may cause high levels of emissions and possibly chimney fires. The best type 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 combustibles made from cardboard and paper, since they can create toxic fumes and build ups of creosote or ash inside your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles over your fire as they can explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can provide an efficient alternative to heat sources, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if utilized incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemical substances that can be harmful to your health. They can also create dangers to fire and can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. You can reduce the risk by taking a few simple safety measures.

Use only dry, clean firewood for your stove. Never make use of gasoline, kerosene or 913875 charcoal starter fluid to start or rekindle fires. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen to enter. Always add wood in small amounts and do not let the fire get too hot. If you're in a smoke-control zone do not set up an indoor fire.

Make sure that your chimney and stove are correctly installed. A poorly constructed wood stove can cause an unintentional chimney fire that can release toxic gases into your home. It is also important to have the chimney swept and inspected on a regular basis. Make sure the chimney flue doesn't leak, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Store your wood in a shed, or under a cover. This will allow the wood dry and grow faster. To decrease the chance of fire, keep the wood away from other heat sources. It is recommended to place your stove on a non-flammable surface, like a tile floor.

It is important to supervise your children around the stove, especially if you have youngsters. They might play with the ash that is hot or even touch the fire which can be hazardous. Also, keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. Consider installing a heat shield to shield walls and surfaces from damage. It's also a good idea for Www.913875.xyz your family to practice home fire drills. This will help you to escape your home in case of emergency. For more information on how to keep your home safe read our article on escape routes to a fire in case of a house fire.