How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are an attractive addition to any home. They are best used with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves without secondary combustion allowed air to pass through below and above the fuel - this resulted in the loss of energy, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

Modern wood stoves utilize superior combustion methods that splits the air supply into two phases. This allows them to increase the efficiency of their heating systems while also producing lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

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

Modern wood stoves typically have high combustion efficiencies, as they have sophisticated design features that enable them to maximize their burn and require less wood. They also emit less emissions, especially stoves certified by the EPA that require a catalytic combustion combustor to clean exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are an ideal choice for homeowners who want to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of a wood stove.

Proper operation and maintenance will increase the efficiency of your stove. The most important thing is to control the combustion process. This can be achieved by adding small pieces of wood frequently and ensuring a constant flame in the stove. This will help prevent the accumulation of flammable creosote within the chimney, which can make the stove less efficient.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned firewood with a moisture content under 20%. Dry and seasoned firewood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel, but will also produce 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. To meet the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves use secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor to manage combustion and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they emit. If you are looking for an wood-burning stove that meets 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 woodstoves make use of a honeycomb combustor made of ceramic that is coated with noble metals like platin or palladium. The combustor works much the same way as your car's catalyst does to clean its exhaust. When smoke is pushed through the combustor at high temperatures the noble metals react with particulates and chemical compounds in the smoke to break them down to harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This lets the stove burn cleaner and produce less emissions than non-catalytic models without sacrificing efficiency or heat output. The combustor performs its best when the temperature of gas in the flue is at least 1,000degF or greater. The combustor won't function properly if the fire is burned in a low-flame.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, painted or Www.5829186.xyz treated wood, can damage the combustor. The burning of these substances can result in "masking" that is a covering of the combustor's cells by an ingredient, which prevents it from performing effectively. Masking can also occur due to closing the bypass damper quickly or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cell isn't regularly cleaned of fly-ash and creosote it could cause smoke leakage.

If properly operated and 5829186 positioned, the combustor will provide years of efficient performance. It will require minimal maintenance other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a long burn and then cleaning it with a dry, soft bristled brush.

The combustor has a bypass damper which is opened to start an ignition and shut to load the stove. Make sure to check the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which shows the combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor could be reduced if you open the bypass damper too soon. Closing the bypass too soon can reduce the temperature of the combustor's outlet and cause damage. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, consult the manual of your stove's instructions or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

The controls for air flow in your wood stove are vital to ensuring that the fire burns properly and safely. The primary, secondary and tertiary air systems are all in place to allow your fire to burn effectively. Each air system plays a distinct part in the combustion process.

The primary air control is located either beneath or inside the stove's door. It regulates the amount of air that gets into the firebox. More air means a faster-burning fire but it also increases the risk of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. When you light your wood stove, the primary air control should be open wide and for a short time.

After your fire has built up enough heat, the main air control can be shut down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat being produced. The stove or chimney should not emit any smoke since this indicates inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls feeds oxygen to the top of your stove, typically in the form of air jets positioned over your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your flame. Without it, your fire will burn too quickly and will produce large quantities of smoke.

The secondary airflow, the final stage in the airflow system of your stove is fed into the updraft or chimney. This creates a strong draft in the flue, allowing your fire to perform optimally.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was designed and optimised for burning firewood only. Other combustibles may not be able to burn in your wood stove, leading to excessive emissions, and even chimney fires. The best kind of combustible to use is wood that has been dried for at least six months, although softwood can be used as well. Avoid using combustibles made from cardboard and paper, as they can create toxic fumes and the build-up of creosote or ash within your stove. It is important to not place firewood or other combustibles on the top of your stove, as this can cause the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can provide an affordable alternative to heating particularly if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. They can be dangerous when used incorrectly. They can result in harmful chemical substances that could be harmful to your health. They can also create a fire hazard and result in carbon monoxide poisoning. You can reduce the risk by taking a few simple precautions.

Use only dry, clean firewood for your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid, wrapping paper or other flammable substances to start or rekindle a fire. Never burn treated wood painted wood, wet wood. Keep the flue wide open to let plenty of oxygen in. Always add wood in small pieces and do not let the fire smolder. Don't use a fireplace in the indoors even if you're in a smoking control zone.

Make sure that your chimney and stove have been installed correctly. Wood stoves that are not properly installed can ignite a fire in the chimney that could release toxic gasses into your home. It is also important to sweep the chimney and inspected regularly. Check that the chimney flue doesn't leak, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Place your wood in a shed, or under a sheet of tarp. This can help the wood to season and dry more quickly. It is also important to keep the firewood from other sources of heat to decrease the chance of fire. You should also place your stove on a non-flammable surface, such as a tiled floor.

You should be aware of your children's activities around the stove if you have any young ones. They may try to touch the flame or 5829186 play with the hot ash which can be dangerous. Also, 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's also a good idea for Www.5829186.Xyz your family to practice home fire drills. This will help you escape your home in the case of an emergency. Take a look at our article on fire escape routes to keep your home safe.