How a Wood Burning Stove Works

wood burning stove sale-burning stoves are an attractive addition to any home. However it is important to use them only with properly seasoned logs.

Older stoves that did not have secondary combustion allowed air to enter the chimney and burn both above and below the fuel which resulted in the loss of energy and polluting.

Modern wood stoves utilize superior combustion methods that splits the air supply into two phases. This lets them achieve higher heating efficiencies with lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of combustion in a wood stove is a measure of how well the wood you use is turned into heat. The heating transfer efficiency is the quantity of heat that is transferred from the stove to the room. A wood-burning stove with high efficiency and combustion will require less multi fuel stove (http://www.e-nt.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=online&wr_id=66995) and generate less waste such as carbon monoxide and steam.

Modern wood stoves have a high efficiency in combustion, due to their sophisticated design. They maximize the amount of heat and use less wood. They also tend to emit less emissions, especially stoves certified by the EPA that require a catalytic combustor to purify exhaust gases as they exit the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are an ideal option for homeowners who wish to lessen 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 aspect is to ensure the combustion process is controlled. This is accomplished by maintaining a fire in the stove by regular additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote inside the chimney, which can cause the stove to become less efficient.

Another crucial aspect in the efficiency of wood stoves is to use properly dried, seasoned firewood that has a moisture content below 20%. Dry wood that is seasoned and dried will not only provide more heat for the same fuel however, it will produce fewer air pollution emissions and produce less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other harmful substances that a new stove can emit within an hour. To meet the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves rely on secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor to control combustion and minimize the amount of carbon dioxide they emit. If you are looking for an wood-burning stove that meets EPA emission standards, then search for one that has an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission rate less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves use a special ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platinum. The combustor operates in like the catalyst in your car to clean the exhaust. When smoke is pushed through the combustor at high temperatures noble metals react with the particulates and chemical compounds in the smoke, breaking them down into harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to burn cleaner and lower 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 1,000degF or greater. The combustor will not perform as efficiently if the fire is burned in a low-flame.

Burning foreign substances, such as paper logs, painted or treated wood, can cause damage to the combustor. The burning of these materials may result in "masking", which is a covering of the combustor's cells by some substance, preventing it from performing effectively. Masking may also result from closing the bypass damper too soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cell is not regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash, it can cause smoke spillage.

Properly operated and positioned the combustor will provide years of efficient performance. It requires very little maintenance, aside from cleaning off the soot from its surface following a prolonged burn and dusting it periodically using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with an bypass damper that can be 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 indicates when your combustor operates within its optimal temperature range. Doing this too soon can reduce the operating range of the combustor. Closing the bypass damper too soon will reduce the inlet temperature to the combustor, and could cause damage to it. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, consult the instruction manual for your stove or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

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

The air control that is located beneath or inside the door of your stove, controls the quantity of air allowed into the firebox. More air will burn the fire faster however it could also increase the risk of smoke and creosote. When you light your wood stove, the main air control should ideally be opened wide and for a brief period of time.

Once you have reached the desired heat level, you can slowly close the primary air control until the desired heat is achieved. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke since this could indicate an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to inject oxygen into the top of your stove, typically in the form of air jets that are placed above the fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling your fire. Your fire will be burning too quickly and produce large quantities of smoke if it is not controlled.

Tertiary airflow is the final stage of the airflow system of your stove and is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This helps to create a strong draft within the flue and allows your stove to operate at its highest efficiency.

It is crucial to keep in mind that your wood stove has been made and designed to be optimized specifically for burning wood for fire. Other types of combustion fuel will not be able to burn in your wood woodburner stove and can result in high levels emissions, and even chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for at least six months. Avoid using combustibles that are made of cardboard and paper, since they can produce toxic fumes as well as buildups of ash or creosote within your stove. It is important to not place firewood or other combustibles on the top of your stove, as this can cause them to explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves can be an efficient alternative to heat sources, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. However, they can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They also can cause fire hazard and carbon monoxide poisoning. You can avoid these dangers by implementing a few basic precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood for your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to start or ignite fires. Never burn treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen in. In small amounts, add wood and make sure you don't let the fire burn to ashes. If you live in a smoke-control area, never make use of an indoor fire.

Make sure that your stove and chimney have been installed correctly. A poorly installed wood stove could result in a chimney fire that can release harmful gases into your home. It is also crucial to have the chimney swept and checked regularly. Make sure the chimney flue doesn't leak, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Store your wood in a shed or under a tarp. This will help the wood to dry and season faster. You should also keep the firewood out of other sources of heat to minimize fire risks. It is also a good idea to put your stove on a non-flammable surface, such as tiles.

If you have young children make sure you keep them away from the stove. They might try to touch the flame or play with the hot ash which can be hazardous. It is recommended to keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. You should also think about installing a heat shield to protect walls and other surfaces from damage. It is also advisable to encourage your family to practice fire drills at home. This will allow you to get out of your home in an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home secure read our article on escape routes for fire in the event of a home fire.