How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood-burning stoves can be wonderful additions to any home. However, they should be used only with properly seasoned logs.

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

Modern wood stoves utilize superior combustion principles that divides air supply into two stages. This allows them to improve the efficiency of heating while generating lower emissions levels.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of the wood stove is a measure of how well the wood you use is turned into heat. The efficiency of the heating transfer is the quantity of heat that is transferred from your stove to a room. A wood-burning stove that has high efficiency in combustion and heating transfer will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, such as ash, carbon monoxide, and steam.

Modern wood stoves have a high combustion efficiency due to their advanced design. They can maximize the burning by using less wood. They also emit low levels of emissions, particularly stoves that are EPA-certified and require a catalytic combustor to clean exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are a great choice for homeowners seeking to lessen their impact on our environment, while still enjoying the warmth and the comfort of a wood-burning stove.

A proper operation and maintenance routine will increase the efficiency of your stove. The most important thing is to ensure the combustion process is controlled. This is achieved by maintaining a proper flame in the stove through regular additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will prevent the build-up of flammable Creosote in the chimney, which could reduce the efficiency of the stove.

A wood stove's efficiency is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned wood with less than 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 has established guidelines that restrict the amount of smoke and other pollutants a new stove releases in an hour. To comply with the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves use a secondary combustion process or catalytic combustor in order to control combustion and minimize the amount of pollutants they release. To find a wood stove that meets the EPA emission standards, search for one with an EPA certification label and a smoke emission rate of less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves make use of a special ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals such as palladium or platinum. The combustor is like the catalyst in your car that cleans its exhaust. When smoke is pushed through the combustor at high temperatures noble metals react with particles and the chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down into harmless products such as water and carbon dioxide.

This allows the stove to burn cleaner and lower emissions than non-catalytic models, but without loss of efficiency or heat output. The combustor performs best when the flue gas temperature is at least 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. When the fire is burned in a low-flame the gases inside the stove don't reach this temperature, and the combustor won't function properly.

The combustor may be damaged by burning foreign materials like trash, paper logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these materials can cause "masking" that covers the combustor cells with a substance that stops it from performing as intended. Masking can also result from closing the bypass damper too shortly or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells aren't regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar build up, plugging could occur, which can cause smoke spillage.

When properly operated and placed, the combustor can provide years of efficient performance. It will require very little maintenance, other than getting rid of the soot on its surface after a prolonged burn and then dusting it with a dry, soft bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with an bypass damper that can be open to begin the fire and closed when you're ready to load your stove. Inspect 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 early. If you close the bypass too quickly, it can reduce the temperature of the combustor's intake and damage it. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to the instruction manual for your stove or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Control of Airflow

The air flow controls on your wood stove are vital to ensure that the fire burns safely and properly. The primary air systems cooperate to enable your fire to burn effectively. Each air system plays a distinct part in the combustion process.

The main air control is located either beneath or inside the stove door. It controls the amount air that enters the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire, but it also increases the chances of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. When you light your wood stove, the main air control should ideally be extended wide and for a brief period of time.

Once the fire has developed enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down slowly until you're satisfied with the amount of heat generated. It is important to ensure that there isn't any smoke is coming out of the chimney or stove since it is a sign of inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to inject oxygen into your stove's top, usually as air jets placed above your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of managing your fire. Your fire will burn too fast and produce excessive amounts of smoke without it.

Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the stove's airflow system. It is carried into the updraft area or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, which allows your fire to perform at its peak.

It is crucial to keep in mind that your wood burning stove fan stove has been made and designed to be optimized specifically for burning firewood. Other combustibles may not burn in your wood stove, resulting in high levels of emissions, and even chimney fires. The best kind of combustible to use is well-seasoned hardwood that has been dried for at least six months, though softwood is equally effective. Avoid using combustibles made from paper and cardboard, as they can produce toxic fumes and build ups of creosote or ash within your stove. Avoid placing logs or any other combustibles on your stove as they may explode.

Safety

wood burning stoves (click home page) can provide an affordable alternative to heating, especially if you live in a region with frequent power outages. However, they can also be risky if they are used in a way that is not properly. They can produce harmful chemicals that can affect your health. They also can create a fire hazard and result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can minimize these risks by following simple safety precautions.

Make sure to use only clean, dry firewood for your stove. Do not make use of gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid, wrapping paper or other flammable materials to ignite or rekindle a flame. Never burn painted or treated wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen into. Always add wood in small pieces and don't let the fire smolder. If you are in a smoke-control room don't set up an indoor fire.

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

It's a good idea to store your wood in a shed or Tarp. This will allow the wood to dry and get into the season quicker. It is also recommended to keep the firewood away from other sources of heat to reduce the risk of fire. You should also put your stove on an inflammable surface like a tiled floor.

It is important to be sure to supervise your children around the stove, especially if you have young children. They might play with the hot ash or touch the fire which could be dangerous. You should also keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. Consider installing a heat-shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. You should also encourage your family to participate in fire drills at home. This will make it easier to get out of your home in an emergency. Read our article on fire escape routes to ensure your home secure.