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 that did not have secondary combustion allowed air to pass through between and above the fuel. This resulted in the loss of energy as well as chimney tarring and air pollution.
Modern wood stoves employ superior combustion methods that separates the air supply into two phases. This enables higher heating efficiency with lower emissions.
Efficient Combustion
The combustion efficiency of wood stoves is a measure of how well your wood is transformed into heat. The heating transfer efficiency is the quantity of heat that is transferred from your stove to the room. A wood-burning stove that has high efficiency in combustion and heating efficiency will use less fuel, and produce less waste, such as carbon monoxide and steam.
Modern wood stoves have high combustion efficiency due to their advanced design. They maximize the amount of heat and use less wood. They also have lower emissions particularly when using EPA certified stoves which require a catalytic combustor that cleans emissions as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their impact on our environment, while enjoying the warmth and convenience of a wood burning stove.
Increasing 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 maintaining a fire in the stove by frequent additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will help prevent the accumulation of flammable creosote within the chimney, which could make the stove less efficient.
Another key element in the effectiveness of wood stoves is to use properly dried, seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%. Dry and seasoned firewood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel, but will also create less smoke and air pollution.
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 depend on a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor, in order to minimize pollution and to meet EPA guidelines. If you're looking to purchase an wood-burning stove that is in compliance with EPA emission standards, 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 platinum or palladium. The combustor is similar to the catalyst in your car that cleans your exhaust. The noble metals in the combustor react with the particles and chemicals that are in the smoke breaking them into harmless end products such as water and carbon dioxide.
This allows the stove to burn cleaner and lower emissions 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 1,000 degF. If the fire is burnt in a low flame the gases in the stove aren't able to attain this temperature and the combustor isn't functioning properly.
Burning foreign substances, such as paper logs, painted or treated wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can result in "masking" which covers the combustor's cells with some substance, preventing it from performing correctly. Masking can occur due to closing the bypass damper too soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash it could result in smoke spillage.
The combustor, if properly operated and placed it will last for years of efficient operation. It requires little maintenance, aside from cleaning off the soot from its surface following 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. The bypass damper should be checked for the "operate catalyst" indicator that indicates if your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The bypass damper being opened too soon can reduce the operating range of the combustor. If you close the bypass damper too quickly will decrease the temperature at which the inlet is pumped to the combustor and may damage it. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to your stove's instruction manual or contact our customer service department for assistance.
Control of Airflow
Controlling air flow is essential to ensure that your wood stove is burning safely and efficiently. The primary secondary, tertiary and primary air systems work together to allow your fire to burn effectively. Each air system plays a distinct function in the process of combustion.
The air control is located below or inside the stove door. It controls the amount air that is able to enter the firebox. More air means a more efficient burning fire, but it also increases the chances of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. When you light your wood stove, the primary air control should ideally be open wide and for a brief period of time.
When you have reached the desired heat level You can gradually close the air control that is primary until the desired heat is attained. It is important to ensure that no smoke is coming out of the chimney or stove since it is a sign of an inefficient combustion.
Secondary airflow controls pump oxygen into the top of your stove,
Www.913875.xyz often in the form of air jets positioned above the fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your 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 stove's airflow system. It is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This helps to create a strong draft within the flue, which allows your fire to reach its highest efficiency.
It is important to remember that your wood stove has been designed and optimised solely for burning wood for fire. Any other burning combustible won't burn as well in your wood stove and could result in high levels of emissions and possibly chimney fires. The best kind of combustible to use is wood that has been dried for at minimum six months, but softwood can be used as well. Avoid using paper and cardboard as they can emit toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build within your stove. It is also a good idea to avoid placing wood or other combustibles over the top of your stove, as this can cause the fire to explode.
Safety
Wood-burning stoves can be a cost-effective alternative heat source particularly if you reside in a location that has frequent power outages. However, they can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They can also cause a fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can avoid these risks by following some basic safety precautions.
Make sure you use only dry, clean firewood for your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid, wrapping paper or other flammable materials to ignite or rekindle a flame. Never burn painted or treated wood. Keep the flue wide open to let in plenty of oxygen. Always add wood in small pieces and
www.913875.xyz do not let the fire burn out. If you're in a smoke-control area do not set up an indoor fire.
Make sure that your chimney and stove have been installed correctly.