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How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are an excellent addition to any home. They should only be 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 pollution and loss of energy.

Modern wood stoves utilize a superior combustion method that separates the air supply into two phases. This results in greater efficiency in heating and lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of your wood stove is a measurement of how effectively the wood you use is converted into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove to a room. A wood-burning stove that has high efficiency in combustion and heating transfer will use less fuel and produce less waste, like carbon monoxide, ash, and steam.

Modern wood stoves boast high combustion efficiency, thanks to their sophisticated design. They can maximize the burning and use less wood. These stoves also emit very little emissions, particularly EPA-certified stoves that require a catalytic combustion combustor to remove exhaust gases after they exit the stove. These cleaner stoves make a great choice for homeowners who want to minimize their impact on our environment, while still enjoying the warmth and the comfort of a wood-burning stove.

Enhancing the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of correct operation and maintenance. The most important aspect is to ensure that the combustion process is controlled, which can be achieved by ensuring a steady fire in the stove with frequent additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will prevent the buildup of flammable creosote in the chimney, which can cause the stove to become less efficient.

Another important factor in the effectiveness of a wood stove is using properly dried, seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%. Dry, seasoned firewood will not only produce more heat from the same fuel, but will also cause less smoke and air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants a new stove can release within an hour. Most modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor in order to minimize emissions and comply with EPA guidelines. If you want to find an wood-burning stove that meets EPA emission standards, look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission level lower than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves utilize a ceramic honeycomb combustor that is coated with noble metals such as platin or palladium. The combustor is similar to the catalyst in your car that cleans its exhaust. The noble metals contained in the combustor react to particles and chemicals that are in the smoke, breaking them into harmless end products such as carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to emit less carbon dioxide and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models, but without losing efficiency or heat output. The combustor performs best when the flue gas temperature is at or above 1,000degF. When the fire is burned at a low temperature the gases in the stove aren't able to reach this temperature and the combustor isn't functioning properly.

The combustor may be damaged by burning foreign substances like trash, paper logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these materials can cause "masking" that protects the cells of the combustor with a substance, preventing it from performing properly. Masking may also result from closing the bypass damper soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar build up, plugging may occur which causes smoke spillage.

If properly operated and positioned, the combustor can provide years of efficient performance. It requires little maintenance other than getting rid of the soot off its surface following a prolonged burn and dusting it periodically using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with a bypass damper which is opened to start the fire and closed when you're ready for reloading your stove. The bypass damper should be checked for the "operate catalyst" indicator that indicates if your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor will be decreased if you close the bypass damper too soon. If you close the bypass damper too soon can reduce the temperature of the inlet to the combustor and could damage 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

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

The air control is located beneath or inside the stove's door. It controls the amount air that gets into the firebox. More air can burn the fire faster however it could also increase the chance of chimney smoke and creosote. The ideal is that the air control should be opened wide for a short time when lighting your wood stove.

Once the fire has developed enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down slowly until you're happy with the amount of heat produced. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke as this is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to inject oxygen into the top of your stove, typically in the form air jets placed above your fire. This is the most important aspect of managing your fire. Your fire will burn too fast and create excessive quantities of smoke if it is not controlled.

Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the airflow system of your stove and is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This creates a strong draft in the flue, allowing your fire to perform at its best.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was made and designed to be optimized specifically for the purpose of burning firewood. Other types of burning combustible won't burn as well in your wood stove, and may cause high levels of emissions and possibly chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice however, seasoned hardwood needs to be dried for at least 6 months. Avoid using manmade combustibles like cardboard and paper, as these can cause toxic fumes and build ups of creosote or ash inside your stove. Avoid placing logs or any other combustibles over your fire, as they could explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves can be a great alternative to electricity, especially if your area is prone to frequent power outages. However, they can be dangerous if used improperly. They can produce harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They also can create a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by following some simple safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood in your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid, wrapping paper or www.913875.xyz other flammable materials to start or www.913875.Xyz rekindle a fire. Never burn treated wood painted wood, wet wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen to enter. Always add wood in small pieces and do not let the fire smolder. Do not use a fireplace indoors when you're in a smoke control zone.

Check that your stove and chimney have been properly installed. Wood stoves that are not properly installed can cause a fire in the chimney, which could release toxic gasses into your home. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the chimney is essential. Make sure the chimney flue is not able to leak, as this can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Store your wood in a shed or under a tarp. This will allow the wood get more seasoned and dry quicker. It is also important to keep the firewood out of other sources of heat to minimize fire risks. It is also recommended to place your stove on an inflammable flooring, such as tiled floors.

You must supervise your children around the stove if you have any young children. They might try to touch the fire or play with the hot ash, which could be risky. It is recommended to keep all flammable objects at least three feet from the stove. Consider installing a heat-shield to shield walls and surfaces from damage. It's also an excellent idea to have your family practice fire drills at home. This can help you escape your home in the case of an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home safe read our article on escape routes to a fire in the event of a house fire.