How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be a beautiful addition to any home. They are best used with wood that has been properly seasoned.

Older stoves that did not utilize 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 superior combustion methods that separates the air supply into two phases. This lets them improve the efficiency of heating while generating less emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of your wood stove is a measure of how effectively the wood you use is converted into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove into a room. A wood-burning stove with high combustion and heating efficiency will use less multi fuel stoves for sale and generate less waste such as carbon monoxide and steam.

Modern wood stoves usually have high combustion efficiencies because they feature sophisticated design features which allow them to maximize the burn and make use of less wood. They also have lower emissions particularly with EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor that cleans exhaust gases when they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are an ideal choice for homeowners who want to lessen their impact on the environment while still enjoying the warmth of a wood burning stove for sale - forum.insnetz.com - 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, which can be achieved by ensuring a steady fire in the stove by regular additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will prevent the buildup of flammable creosote inside the chimney, which can cause the stove to become less efficient.

Another key element in the efficiency of a wood stove is using properly dried, seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent. Dry well-seasoned and seasoned wood will not only produce more heat from the same fuel, but will also create less smoke and air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants that an appliance can release within an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves depend upon a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor, to reduce the amount of emissions and comply with EPA guidelines. To find an appliance that is compliant with the EPA emission standards, look for one with an EPA certification sticker and an emission limit of less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves make use of a special ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals like palladium or platinum. The combustor functions in the same way as your catalyst in your car to clean its exhaust. The noble metals in the combustor react with the chemicals and particulates in the smoke, breaking them into harmless end products like water and carbon dioxide.

This enables the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn much cleaner than non-catalytic models without losing the heat output or efficiency. The combustor operates most efficiently when the gas temperature in the flue is at least 1,000degF or greater. The combustor will not perform as efficiently if the fire is ignited in a low flame.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, treated or painted wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these substances can result in "masking" that covers the combustor cells with a substance that stops it from performing according to its intended. Masking can occur due to closing the bypass damper too fast or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar build up, plugging could occur, causing smoke spillage.

Properly operated and positioned the combustor will provide years of efficient performance. It will require very little maintenance, other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a long burn and periodically cleaning it with a soft, dry 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 will indicate that your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. Doing this too soon will decrease the operating range of the combustor. If you close the bypass damper too early will decrease the temperature at which the inlet is pumped to the combustor, and could cause damage to it. 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.

Control of Airflow

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

The air control is located beneath or inside the stove's door. It regulates the amount of air that gets into the firebox. More air will burn the fire faster however it could increase the possibility of chimney smoke and creosote. When you light your wood stove, the primary air control should be open wide and for a brief period of time.

When your fire has built up enough heat, the main air control can be closed down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat being produced. It is essential to ensure that no smoke is coming out of the chimney or stove since this is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls pump oxygen to the top of your stove, usually in the form of air jets that are placed over your fire stove. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Your fire could burn too fast and produce excessive quantities of smoke if it is not controlled.

Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the airflow system of your stove and is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This makes a strong draft in the flue, allowing your stove to function at its best.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was designed and optimized for burning firewood only. Any other combustion fuel will not be able to burn in your wood stove and can result in high levels of emissions and possibly chimney fires. Softwood is also acceptable, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for a minimum of 6 months. Avoid using cardboard and paper because they release toxic fumes or cause ash and creosote to build up in your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles on the top of your stove, as this can cause them to explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves are an excellent alternative to electricity, particularly in areas that are prone to frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if employed in a wrong manner. They can produce harmful chemicals that can affect your health. They also can create dangers to fire and can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. You can avoid these dangers by implementing a few basic safety measures.

Use only clean, dry firewood for your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter fluid to start or revive fires. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen in. Add wood in small quantities and don't let the fire burn to ashes. Never use an indoor fireplace if you're in a smoke control area.

Make sure that your chimney and stove have been properly installed. A poorly-installed wood stove could result in a chimney fire that can release harmful gasses into your home. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the chimney is essential. Make sure that the flue isn't flowing, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Store your wood in a shed or under a sheet of tarp. This can allow the wood get more seasoned and dry faster. It is also recommended to keep the firewood away from other sources of heat to decrease the risk of fire. It is also a good idea to put your stove on a non-flammable surface, such as a tile floor.

If you have young children ensure that you supervise them around the stove. They might try to play with the ash hot or touch the fire which could be dangerous. In addition, you should keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. You should also consider installing a heat shield to protect walls and other surfaces from damage. You should also encourage your family members to practice fire drills at home. This will help you to get out of your home in case of emergency. For more tips on keeping your home secure take a look at our article on escape routes for fire in the event of a house fire.