How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, they should be used only with properly seasoned logs.

Older stoves with no secondary combustion let air in below and above the fuel - this resulted in energy loss as well as chimney tarring and air pollution.

Modern wood stoves use an advanced combustion method that separates the air supply into two stages. This lets them achieve higher heating efficiencies with lower emissions levels.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of combustion in your wood stove is a measure of how efficiently your wood is transformed into heat. It is different from heating transfer efficiency, which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove to a room. A wood-burning stove with high efficiency and combustion will require less fuel and generate less waste such as carbon monoxide and steam.

Modern wood stoves usually have high combustion efficiencies due to their sophisticated design features that enable them to maximize their burn and use less wood. These stoves also tend to emit very little emissions, particularly stoves that are EPA-certified and require a catalytic combustor to remove exhaust gases after they exit the stove. These cleaner stoves are a good 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 the combustion process is controlled, www.913875.Xyz which is achieved by maintaining a fire in the stove by frequent 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.

Another crucial aspect in the efficiency of wood stoves is to use properly dried wood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same fuel, but it will also produce fewer air pollution emissions and produce less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants that a new stove may emit within an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves rely upon a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor to reduce the amount of emissions and comply with EPA guidelines. If you're looking to purchase an wood-burning stove that is in compliance with EPA emission standards, then look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission rate lower than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves use a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platinum. The combustor is similar to the catalyst in your car that cleans your exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react with the particulates and chemicals in the smoke, breaking them into harmless products like carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to emit less carbon dioxide and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models without sacrificing efficiency or heat output. The combustor is most efficient when the flue gas temperature is at or above 1,000degF. The combustor won't perform as efficiently if the fire is ignited in a low-flame.

Burning foreign materials, like paper logs, treated or painted wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can cause "masking" which covers the cells of the combustor with a substance that stops it from working in the way it was intended. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of fly-ash and creosote it could result in smoke spillage.

The combustor, 913875.Xyz if properly installed and operated, will provide years of reliable operation. It will require very little maintenance other than getting rid of the soot on its surface after a prolonged burn and periodically cleaning it with a dry, soft bristled brush.

The combustor 913875 comes with an bypass damper that is opened to ignite the fire, and then closed to refill the stove. Examine the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which indicates when your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor could be diminished if you open the bypass damper too soon. Closing the bypass damper too early 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 contact our customer service department should you require assistance.

Control of Airflow

The air flow controls on your wood stove are vital in ensuring that your fire is properly and www.913875.xyz safely. The primary, secondary and tertiary systems work together to ensure that your fire is burning efficiently. Each system plays a unique part in the combustion process.

The air control is situated below 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 chance of creosote or chimney smokiness buildup. When you light your wood stove, the primary air control should ideally be open wide and for a brief period of time.

Once your fire has built up enough heat, the main air control can be shut down slowly until you're happy with the amount of heat being generated. It is essential to ensure that there isn't any smoke is being produced from the chimney or stove since it is a sign of poor combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to inject oxygen into your stove's top, usually in the form of air jets that are placed above the fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your flame. Your fire will burn too fast and create excessive amounts smoke without it.

Tertiary airflow is the last stage of the airflow system of your stove and is carried into the updraft area or chimney. This creates a strong draft within the flue, which allows your stove to operate at its highest efficiency.

It is important to remember that your wood stove has been specifically designed and optimized for the purpose of burning wood for fire. Other types of combustibles do not burn in your wood stove, which can cause high levels of emissions and even chimney fires. The most efficient type of combustion fuel is wood that has been dried for at minimum six months, but softwood is equally effective. Avoid using cardboard and paper since they could release toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build within your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing logs or other combustibles over your fire, as they could explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can provide a cost-effective alternative heat source, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if utilized incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemical substances that could be harmful to your health. They also can create dangers to fire and can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. You can stay clear of these risks by taking a few simple safety measures.

Make sure to use only dry, clean wood for your wood-burning stove. Do not make use of gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper, or any other flammable materials to start or rekindle fire. Never burn treated wood or painted wood, or wet wood. Keep the flue wide open to allow plenty of oxygen to enter. In small amounts, 913875 add wood and do not let the fire smolder. Never use an indoor fireplace if you're in a smoke control zone.

Make sure your chimney and stove are correctly installed. Wood stoves that are not properly installed could cause a fire to the chimney, which can release harmful gasses into your home. It is also essential to have the chimney swept and inspected on a regular basis. Make sure the chimney flue does not leak, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Place your wood in a shed, or under a cover. This can help the wood to season and dry more quickly. It is also recommended to keep the firewood out of other sources of heat to minimize the risk of fire. It is recommended to set your stove on a non-flammable surface like tiles.

If you have children who are young ensure that you keep them away from the stove. They might play with the ash hot or touch the fire, which is dangerous. It is recommended to keep all flammable items at least three feet away from the stove. You should also consider 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 case of emergency. For www.913875.xyz more tips on keeping your home secure take a look at our article on escape routes for fire in the event of a home fire.