How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be stunning additions to any home. However, they should be used 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 pollution and loss of energy.

Modern wood stoves employ superior combustion principles that divides air supply into two phases. This allows them to improve the efficiency of heating while generating less emissions.

Efficient Combustion

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

Modern wood stoves generally have high combustion efficiencies, as they have sophisticated design features that allow them to maximize their burn and use less wood. They also have low emission levels, especially with EPA certified stoves which require a catalytic combustor that cleans emissions as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves make the perfect choice for homeowners looking to reduce their impact on our environment, while enjoying the warmth and convenience of a wood burning stove.

Proper operation and maintenance will increase the efficiency of your stove. The most important thing is to control the combustion process. This is achieved by adding small pieces of wood on a regular basis and ensuring a constant fire in the stove. This will prevent the buildup of flammable creosote inside the chimney, which could cause the stove to become less efficient.

Another important factor in the efficiency of wood stoves is the use of properly dried, seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%. Dry well-seasoned and seasoned wood will not only produce more heat from the same fuel, but will also create less air pollution and smoke.

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

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves utilize honeycombed combustor made of ceramic coated with noble metals such as platinum or palladium. The combustor operates in similar to what your catalyst in your car to clean your 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 water and carbon dioxide.

This allows the stove to burn cleaner and produce less emissions than non-catalytic models, without sacrificing efficiency or heat output. The combustor is most efficient when the temperature of the flue gas is at or above 1,000degF. When the fire is lit in a low flame the gases inside the stove don't reach this temperature and the combustor isn't functioning properly.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, painted or treated wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can cause "masking" that covers the cells of the combustor with a substance which prevents it from functioning in the way it was intended. Masking can be caused by closing the bypass damper too fast or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cell isn't regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash it could result in smoke leakage.

The combustor, when properly operated and placed properly, will give years of efficient operation. It requires little maintenance, other than cleaning off the soot from its surface following a prolonged burn and dusting it frequently using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor has an bypass damper that is opened to ignite an ignition and closed to reload the stove. Examine the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which indicates when your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. Opening the bypass damper too quickly will reduce the operating range of the combustor. If you close the bypass damper too quickly will reduce the inlet temperature to the combustor, and could damage it. Check the manual of your stove for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also reach our customer service department should you need assistance.

Airflow Controls

Controls of air flow are vital to ensure that your wood stove burns safely and efficiently. The primary, secondary and tertiary air systems cooperate to enable your fire to burn effectively. Each of these systems plays a distinct role in the combustion process.

The air control that is situated either below or within the door of your stove, controls amount of air that is allowed to enter the firebox. More air will ignite the fire faster, but it can also increase the chance of smoke and creosote. When lighting your wood stove, the main air control should be extended wide and for a brief period of time.

Once you've reached the desired temperature, you can slowly close the air control that is primary until the desired heat is achieved. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke as this indicates the combustion is not efficient.

Secondary airflow controls supply oxygen into the top of your stove, usually in the form of air jets positioned over your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your flame. Your fire will be burning too quickly and produce large amounts smoke without it.

Tertiary airflow is the final stage of your stove's airflow system and is fed into the updraft section or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, allowing your fire to function at its peak.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was built and optimized to burn firewood only. Other types of burning combustible won't burn as well in your wood stove, and may result in high levels emissions and potentially chimney fires. Softwood is also suitable however, seasoned hardwood needs to be dried for at least 6 months. Avoid using paper and cardboard because they release toxic fumes or cause ash and creosote to build within your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles on the top of your fire because this could cause them to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves are an excellent alternative to electricity, particularly if your area is prone to frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if used incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemical substances that can harm your health. They can also cause a fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. You can reduce the risk by taking a few simple safety measures.

Use only clean, dry firewood in your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter fluid to ignite or revive fires. Never burn treated wood painted wood, wet 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. Don't use a fireplace in the indoors when you're in a smoke control area.

Make sure your stove and chimney are properly installed. A poorly installed wood stove can cause an explosion in the chimney that could release harmful gases into your home. It is also crucial to sweep the chimney and inspected regularly. Check that the chimney flue doesn't leak, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is a good idea to store your wood in a shed or a tarp. This will allow the wood burning stoves for sale (visit my webpage) get more seasoned and dry faster. To reduce the risk of fire, keep the wood from other heat sources. It is also a good idea to set your stove on a non-flammable surface such as tiles on the floor.

You must be sure to supervise your children around the stove, especially if you have young children. They may try to play with the hot ash or touch the fire which can be hazardous. In addition, it is recommended to keep all flammable objects at least three feet from the stove. You should also consider installing a heat shield to protect walls and other surfaces from damage. It's also a good idea for your family to practice home fire drills. This will make it easier to get out of your home in the event of an emergency. For more information on how to keep your home secure, check out our article on escape routes to a fire in the event of a house fire.