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 wood.

Older stoves that didn't utilize secondary combustion allowed air to enter the chimney and burn both above and below the fuel, causing energy loss and pollution.

Modern wood stoves utilize an advanced combustion technique that separates the air supply into two phases. This lets them improve the efficiency of heating while generating less emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of the combustion of the wood stove is a measure of how well your wood is transformed into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the amount of heat that is transferred from your stove to the room. A wood-burning stove with high efficiency in combustion and heating transfer will require less fuel and create less waste, such as carbon monoxide, ash and steam.

Modern wood stoves usually have high combustion efficiencies, as they have sophisticated design features which allow them to maximize the burn and make use of less wood. They also 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 a great option for 5829186.xyz homeowners looking to minimize their impact on the environment while still enjoying the warmth of wood stoves.

A proper operation and maintenance routine can improve the efficiency of your stove. The most important factor is to ensure the combustion process is controlled. This can be achieved by maintaining a proper fire in the stove with regular additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will help prevent the accumulation of flammable creosote within the chimney, which can make the stove less efficient.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned firewood with less than 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only provide more heat for the same fuel however, it will emit less air pollution and produce less 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, most modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion process or a catalytic combustor to manage combustion and reduce the amount of pollutants they emit. If you are looking for a wood burning stove that complies with EPA emission standards, then look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It should also have a smoke emission rate below 4 grams per hr.

Catalytic Combustion

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

This allows the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models without losing the heat output or efficiency. The combustor performs best when the temperature of the flue gas is at least 1,000 degF. The combustor cannot work properly if the flame is ignited in a low-flame.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, painted or 5829186.xyz treated wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials could result in "masking" which blankets the cells of the combustor with a substance that prevents it from working according to its intended. 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 leakage.

Properly operated and positioned the combustor can give years of reliable performance. It requires minimal maintenance other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a prolonged burn and dusting it frequently with a soft dry bristled brush.

The combustor has an bypass damper that is opened to start the fire, and then shut to load the stove. Examine the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator that indicates if your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor may be diminished if you open the bypass damper prematurely. If you close the bypass too quickly, it can reduce the temperature of the combustor's intake and cause damage. 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.

Airflow Controls

Air flow controls are essential 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 one plays a different part in the combustion process.

The main air control is located either below or inside the stove's door. It controls the amount air that is able to enter the firebox. More air will burn the fire faster but it could also increase the chance of chimney smoke and creosote. The ideal is that the air control should be opened for a short period when lighting your wood stove.

When the fire has developed enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down slowly until you're happy with the amount of heat generated. It is essential to ensure that no smoke is being produced from the stove or chimney as it is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls pump oxygen to the top of your stove, typically in the form of air jets placed over your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your fire. Your fire will burn too quickly and produce large amounts smoke without it.

Tertiary airflow is the last stage of the stove's airflow system. It is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This makes a strong draft in the flue, allowing your fire to function at its peak.

It is crucial to keep in mind that your wood stove was specifically designed and optimized for the purpose of burning firewood. Any other type of combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and could result in high levels of emissions and potentially chimney fires. The best kind of combustion fuel is well-seasoned hardwood that has been dried for at least six months, although softwood is equally effective. Avoid using cardboard and paper because they release toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build within your stove. It is also a good idea to avoid placing firewood or other combustibles on top of your fire, as this can cause them to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can provide a cost-effective alternative heat source particularly if you live in a region with frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if utilized incorrectly. They can create harmful chemicals that can affect your health. They can also create dangers to fire and 5829186 can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by following simple safety guidelines.

Use only clean, dry firewood in your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper or other flammable materials to ignite or rekindle a fire. Never burn painted or 5829186.xyz treated wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen to enter. Always add wood in small increments and don't let the fire get too hot. Do not use a fireplace indoors if you're in a smoke control area.

Make sure your chimney and stove are installed correctly. A poorly installed wood stove could result in an explosion in the chimney that could release harmful gases into your home. Cleaning and inspecting the chimney is essential. Make sure the chimney flue is not able to leak, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Store your wood in a shed or under a sheet of tarp. This will help the wood to dry out and grow faster. To reduce the risk of fire, you should keep the wood away from other sources of heat. You should also put your stove on a non-flammable surface like a tiled floor.

If you have children who are young ensure that you supervise them around the stove. They might attempt to touch the flame or play with the hot ash which could be risky. It is recommended to keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. Consider installing a heat-shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. It is also advisable to encourage your family to practice fire drills at home. This will help you to escape 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 home fire.