What Is Wood Burning Stove And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be a lovely addition to any home. They should only be used with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves that didn’t utilize secondary combustion allowed air to get into the chimney and burn above and below the fuel which resulted in the loss of energy and polluting.

Modern wood stoves employ an advanced combustion method that splits air supply into two stages. This enables more efficient heating while reducing emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of your wood stove is a measurement of how efficiently your wood is transformed into heat. It differs from heating transfer efficiency, which is the amount of heat that is transferred from your stove to a room. A wood-burning stove that has high combustion and heating transfer efficiencies will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, like ash, carbon monoxide, and steam.

Modern wood stoves boast high combustion efficiency due to their advanced design. They can maximize the burning and use less wood. They also have low emission levels, especially with EPA certified stoves that require a specific catalytic combustor to clean emissions as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves make an excellent choice for 5829186 those looking to reduce their impact on the surroundings, while still enjoying the warmth and comfort of a wood burning 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 that the combustion process is controlled. This can be achieved by ensuring a steady flame in the stove through regular additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will help prevent the accumulation of flammable creosote in the chimney, which can cause the stove to become less efficient.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent. Dry, seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same fuel and 5829186.xyz will emit less air pollution and produce less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that limit the amount of smoke and other harmful substances a new stove can emit within an hour. To meet the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves rely on secondary combustion or catalytic combustor in order to control combustion and minimize the amount of carbon dioxide they release. To find a wood stove that meets the EPA emission standards, search for one with an EPA certification sticker and an emission limit of less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves utilize a ceramic honeycomb combustor that is coated with noble metals, such as platin or palladium. The combustor operates in like the car’s catalyst does to clean the exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react to chemicals and particulates in the smoke, breaking them into harmless products such as carbon dioxide and water.

This enables the stove to produce lower emissions and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models without loss of heat output or efficiency. The combustor is most efficient when the temperature of gas in the flue is 1,000degF or higher. When the fire is lit in a low-flame the gases inside the stove do not reach this temperature, and the combustor will not function properly.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, painted or treated wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can cause “masking”, which protects the cells of the combustor with an ingredient, which prevents it from working properly. Masking can be caused by closing the bypass damper too quickly or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cell isn’t regularly cleaned of fly-ash and creosote it could cause smoke leakage.

Properly operated and positioned the combustor will operate to give years of reliable performance. It requires little maintenance, other than taking off the soot from its surface after a long burn and dusting it periodically with a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor comes with a bypass damper which is opened to ignite an ignition and shut to load the 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 can reduce the operating range of the combustor. Closing the bypass too early can reduce the temperature of the combustor’s outlet and cause damage. Consult your stove’s manual for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also contact our customer service department should you need assistance.

Airflow Controls

The air flow controls in your wood stove are essential to ensure that the fire burns safely and properly. The primary, secondary and tertiary air systems are all in place to allow your fire to burn efficiently. Each system plays a unique part in the combustion process.

The air control is located either below or inside the stove door. It controls the amount air that enters the firebox. More air means a more efficient burning fire, but it also increases the chances of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. The ideal is that the air control should be open for a short period when lighting your wood stove.

Once you have attained the desired level of heat then you can slowly shut the primary air control until the desired temperature has been attained. It is important to ensure that there isn’t any smoke is being produced from the stove or chimney as it is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are used to supply oxygen to the stove’s top, usually in the form of air jets placed above your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of managing your fire. Without it your fire will be burning too quickly and will produce excessive amounts of smoke.

The secondary airflow, which is the final step in the airflow system of your stove, is fed into the chimney or updraft. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, allowing your fire to perform at its best.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was built and optimized to burn firewood only. Any other type of combustion fuel will not be able to burn in your wood stove and can result in high levels emissions, and 5829186 even chimney fires. Softwood is also acceptable however, seasoned hardwood needs to be dried for at least six months. Avoid using manmade combustibles like paper and cardboard, as these can cause toxic fumes and the build-up of creosote or ash within your stove. Avoid placing any logs or other combustibles in the vicinity of your fire, as they could explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves are an excellent alternative to electricity, particularly in areas that are prone to frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if employed in a wrong manner. They can release harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They may also create a fire hazard and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these dangers by taking simple safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood for your wood-burning stove. Never make use of gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to start or ignite fires. Never burn treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen in. Always add wood in small amounts and do not let the fire smolder. Never use an indoor fireplace even if you’re in a smoking control zone.

Make sure your stove and chimney have been installed correctly. A poorly-installed wood stove could cause an explosion in the chimney that could release harmful gasses into your home. It is also essential to ensure that the chimney is swept and inspected regularly. Make sure that the flue is not leaky, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is a good idea to store your wood in a shed or a Tarp. This will allow the wood to dry out and season faster. It is also recommended to keep the firewood away from other sources of heat to decrease the chance of fire. It is recommended to set your stove on a non-flammable area, such as tiles on the floor.

If you have children make sure you keep them away from the stove. They may try to play with the hot ash or touch the fire, which is dangerous. You should also keep all flammable items at least three feet away from the stove. Consider installing a heat shield to shield walls and surfaces from damage. It is also advisable to encourage your family to participate in fire drills at home. This will help you to get out of your home in case of emergency. For more information on how to keep your home safe read our article on escape routes for fire in the event of a home fire.