How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be a lovely addition to any home. They are best made use of properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves that did not use secondary combustion allowed air to enter the chimney, and burn above and below the fuel leading to the loss of energy and polluting.

Modern wood stoves use a superior combustion principle that separates air supply into two phases. This allows for greater efficiency in heating and lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of the wood stove is an indicator of how efficiently the wood you use is turned into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer, which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove into the room. A wood-burning stove with high efficiency and combustion will require less fuel and produce less waste, such as steam and carbon monoxide.

Modern wood stoves have high combustion efficiency due to their sophisticated design. They can maximize the burning and use less wood. They also have low emission levels, especially when using EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor, which cleans the exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are a great option for homeowners who wish to reduce their impact on the environment while still enjoying the warmth of a wood stove.

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

A wood stove's efficiency is also affected by the use of dried and seasoned firewood with less than 20%. Dry and seasoned firewood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel, 913875 but will also produce less smoke and air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines to limit the amount smoke and other harmful substances that an appliance can release in an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves depend 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 label and an emission limit of less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves make use of a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals such as platinum or palladium. The combustor operates in the same way as your car's catalyst does to clean its exhaust. When smoke flows through the combustor, at high temperatures, the noble metals react with particulates and chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down into harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This enables the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn much more efficiently than non-catalytic models, without sacrificing the amount of heat produced or efficiency. The combustor performs its best when the gas temperature in the flue is 1000degF or higher. When the fire is lit in a low-flame the gases in the stove don't attain this temperature and the combustor isn't functioning properly.

The combustor may be damaged by burning foreign materials like paper, trash logs painted or treated wood. The burning of these materials could cause "masking" that covers the combustor cells with a substance which prevents it from performing in the way it was intended. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too quickly or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not cleaned regularly of creosote, fly-ash and 913875 tar, a plugging could occur, causing smoke to spill out.

When properly operated and placed, the combustor will provide years of reliable performance. It will require very little maintenance, other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a long burn and then cleaning it with a soft, dry brush.

The combustor 913875.Xyz (Www.913875.xyz) has a bypass damper which is opened to start a fire and closed to reload the stove. The bypass damper should be checked 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 reduced if you open the bypass damper prematurely. Closing the bypass too soon could lower the temperature of the combustor's inlet and cause damage. Check the manual of your stove for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also reach our customer service department should you require assistance.

Control of Airflow

Controls of air flow are vital to ensure that your wood stove is burning safely and efficiently. The primary, secondary and tertiary systems all work together to ensure that your fire is burning efficiently. Each one plays a different part in the combustion process.

The primary air control, located below or inside your stove's door controls the amount of air that is allowed to enter the firebox. More air means a faster-burning fire but it also increases the risk of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. Ideally, the primary air control should be opened for a short time when lighting your wood stove.

After the fire has developed enough heat, the main air control can be shut down slowly until you're happy with the amount of heat being produced. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke since this is a sign of inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are used to feed oxygen into the stove's top, usually in the form of air jets placed above your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling your fire. Without it your fire will be burning too fast and 913875.xyz produce an excessive amount of smoke.

Tertiary airflow is the last stage of the airflow system of your stove and is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This helps to create strong draft in the flue, which allows your fire to reach its peak efficiency.

It is important to note that your wood stove was built and optimized for burning wood that is firewood only. Any other type of combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and can result in high levels emissions and potentially chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for at least 6 months. Avoid using paper and cardboard as they can emit toxic fumes or cause ash and creosote to build within your stove. You should also avoid placing logs or any other combustibles in the vicinity of your fire, as they could explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves can be a great alternative to electricity, especially when your area is susceptible to frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if utilized incorrectly. They can create harmful chemical substances that could harm your health. They also can cause fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by following simple safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood for your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper, or any other flammable substances to start or rekindle a flame. Never burn painted or treated wood. Keep the flue wide open to let plenty of oxygen in. Always add wood in small increments and do not let the fire burn out. If you are in a smoke-control area, never make use of an indoor fire.

Make sure your stove and chimney are properly installed. A poorly installed wood stove could result in a chimney fire that can release harmful gasses into your home. Regularly checking and cleaning the chimney is essential. Verify that the chimney flue does not leak, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

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

If you have children who are young, be sure to supervise them around the stove. They might try to play with the hot ash or even touch the fire, which is dangerous. In addition, you should keep all items that are flammable at least three feet from the stove. Consider installing a heat-shield to shield walls and surfaces from damage. You should also encourage your family to practice fire drills at home. This will make it easier to get out of your home in an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home secure take a look at our article on escape routes to a fire in case of a house fire.