How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood 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 let air in below and above the fuel - this resulted in the loss of energy, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

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

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of the wood stove is a measure of how well the wood you use is turned into heat. It differs from the efficiency of heating transfer, which is the amount of heat that gets from your stove to the room. A wood burning stove with high efficiency in combustion and heating efficiency will require less fuel and produce less waste such as steam and carbon monoxide.

Modern wood stoves usually have high combustion efficiencies, as they have sophisticated design features that allow them to maximize their burn and make use of less wood. They also have low emissions, especially when using EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor that cleans emissions as they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are an excellent choice for those who want to minimize their impact on our environment, while enjoying the warmth and comfort of a wood burning stove.

Proper operation and 913875 maintenance can improve the efficiency of your stove. The most important factor is to ensure that the combustion process is controlled, which is achieved by maintaining a proper fire in the stove by frequent additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote within the chimney, which can make the stove less efficient.

Another important factor in the efficiency of a wood stove is using properly dried, seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only provide more heat for the same fuel however, it will create less air pollution and generate less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines to limit the amount smoke and other pollutants an appliance can release in an hour. To meet the EPA guidelines, most modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion process or catalytic combustor to control combustion and minimize the amount of pollutants they release. If you're looking to purchase a wood burning stove that complies with EPA emission standards, www.913875.Xyz then search for one that has an EPA certification sticker. It should also have a smoke emission level 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 functions in similar to what your catalyst in your car to clean its exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react with chemicals and particulates in the smoke and break them down into harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This lets the stove emit less carbon dioxide and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models, without losing efficiency or heat output. The combustor is the most efficient when the temperature of the flue gas is at least 1,000degF. If the fire is burnt at a low temperature the gases inside the stove don't reach this temperature and the combustor will not function properly.

The combustor may be damaged by burning foreign materials like trash, paper logs painted or treated wood. The burning of these materials could cause "masking" which covers the cells of the combustor with a substance that prevents it from working according to its intended. Masking can also result from closing the bypass damper quickly or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cell is not regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash it could result in smoke leakage.

The combustor, if properly operated and positioned it will last for years of reliable operation. It requires little maintenance, aside from taking off the soot from its surface after a prolonged burn and dusting it periodically with a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor has a bypass damper which is opened to start the fire and closed when you're ready to reload your stove. The bypass damper should be checked for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which indicates when your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The bypass damper being opened too soon can reduce the operating range of the combustor. If you close the bypass damper too soon will decrease the temperature at which the inlet is pumped to the combustor and may cause damage to it. Check the manual of your stove for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also reach our customer service department should you require assistance.

Control of Airflow

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 air system plays a distinct part in the combustion process.

The primary air control is situated beneath or inside the stove's door. It regulates the amount of air that is able to enter the firebox. More air means a more efficient burning fire but it also increases the risk of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. Ideally, the primary air control should be open for a short time when lighting your wood stove.

When the fire has developed enough heat, the main air control can be shut down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat being generated. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke since this is a sign of the combustion is not efficient.

Secondary airflow controls pump oxygen into the top of your stove, often in the form of air jets positioned over your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your flame. Without it your fire will be burning too quickly and create excessive amounts of smoke.

The secondary airflow, the final stage of the airflow system of your stove is fed into the chimney or updraft. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, which allows your stove to function optimally.

It is essential to remember that your wood stove has been made and designed to be optimized specifically to burn wood for fire. Other types of combustibles will not be able to burn in your wood stove, which can cause excessive emissions, and even chimney fires. The best type of combustible to use is wood that has been dried for at least six months, although softwood works just as well. Avoid using paper and cardboard because they release toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build up in your stove. Avoid placing logs or any other combustibles in the vicinity of your fire as they can explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves are an excellent alternative to electricity, especially when your area is susceptible to frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if utilized incorrectly. They can release harmful chemicals that can affect your health. They also can create an ignition risk and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these dangers by taking simple safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood in your stove. Never make use of gasoline, www.913875.xyz (913875.Xyz) kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to start or rekindle fires. Never burn painted or treated wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen into. Add wood in small amounts and do not let the fire smolder. If you live in a smoke-control area, never set up an indoor fire.

Make sure your stove and chimney have been installed correctly. Poorly installed wood stoves could cause a fire to the chimney, which could release harmful gasses into your home. Regularly checking and cleaning the chimney is also essential. Ensure that the flue is not leaky, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea keep your wood in a shed or Tarp. This can help the wood to season and dry faster. To decrease the chance of fire, keep the wood away from other heat sources. It's also a good idea to place your stove on a non-flammable surface such as tiles.

You should be aware of your children's activities around the stove if you have any young children. They may try to touch the flame or play with the ash that is hot, which could be risky. Also, keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. You should also think about installing a heat shield to safeguard surfaces and walls from damage. It is also advisable to encourage your family members to practice fire drills at home. This will help you escape your home in the case of an emergency. For more information on how to keep your home secure take a look at our article on escape routes for fire in the event of a house fire.