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 did not have secondary combustion admitted air between and above the fuel, resulting in energy loss, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.
Modern wood stoves use superior
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Efficient Combustion
The combustion efficiency of the wood stove is a measure of how well your wood is transformed into heat. It is distinct from heating transfer efficiency, which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove into a room. A wood-burning stove that has high combustion and heating efficiency will require less fuel and produce less waste, such as steam and carbon monoxide.
Modern wood stoves boast high efficiency in combustion, due to their sophisticated design. They maximize the burn by using less wood. They also emit less emissions, especially stoves that are EPA-certified and require a catalytic combustor to remove exhaust gases after 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.
Proper operation and maintenance 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 flame in the stove through regular additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will stop the build-up of flammable Creosote within the chimney that could cause the stove to become less efficient.
Another key element in the efficiency of wood stoves is the use of properly dried wood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. Dry well-seasoned and seasoned wood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel, but will also create less smoke and air pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that restrict the amount of smoke and other pollutants a new stove releases within an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves depend on a secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor to reduce emissions and comply with EPA guidelines. To find a wood stove that meets the EPA emission standards, search for
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Catalytic Combustion
Catalytic woodstoves make use of the honeycomb combustor, which is made of ceramic and is coated with noble metals such as palladium or platin. The combustor is similar to the catalyst in your car that cleans its exhaust. When smoke passes through the combustor, at high temperatures, noble metals react with the particles and the chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down into harmless products like water and carbon dioxide.
This enables the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn much more efficiently than non-catalytic models, without losing the heat output or efficiency. The combustor is most efficient when the temperature of the flue gas is at or above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The combustor cannot work properly if the flame is burnt in a low flame.
The combustor could be damaged by burning foreign materials like trash, paper logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these substances can cause "masking", which is a covering of the combustor's cells by an ingredient, which prevents it from performing properly. Masking can occur due to closing the bypass damper too quickly or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cell isn't regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash it could cause smoke spillage.
When properly operated and placed, the combustor will provide years of efficient performance. It will require very little maintenance, other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a prolonged burn and then cleaning it with a soft, dry brush.
The combustor has a bypass damper which is opened to ignite the fire, and then closed when you're ready to load your stove. Inspect the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which shows the combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The bypass damper being opened too soon will decrease the operating range of the combustor. If you close the bypass too quickly, it could reduce the temperature of the combustor's outlet and cause damage to 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.
Airflow Controls
The air flow controls on your wood stove are crucial to ensure that the fire burns properly and safely. The primary secondary, tertiary and primary air systems cooperate to enable your fire to burn efficiently. Each of these systems plays a distinct role in the combustion process.
The primary air control, located beneath or inside the door of your stove, controls the amount of air that is allowed into the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire but it also increases the risk of creosote or chimney smokiness buildup. When you light your wood stove, the main air control should be opened wide and for a short time.
Once you have reached the desired heat level then you can slowly shut the air control that is primary until the desired temperature is attained. It is important to ensure that no smoke is coming out of the chimney or stove as this is a sign of poor combustion.
Secondary airflow controls supply oxygen into the top of your stove, usually in the form of air jets placed over your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Without it your fire will be burning too quickly and create large quantities of smoke.
Tertiary airflow is the final stage of the stove's airflow system. It is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This makes a strong draft in the flue, which allows your fire to function at its peak.
It is crucial to remember that your wood stove was designed and optimized to burn wood that is firewood only. Other types of combustibles do not burn in your wood stove, resulting in excessive 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 works just as well. Avoid using manmade combustibles like cardboard and paper, as they can produce toxic fumes as well as buildups of creosote or ash within your stove. You should also avoid placing logs or any other combustibles in the vicinity of your fire, as they could explode.
Safety
Wood burning stoves can provide a cost-effective alternative heat source particularly if you reside in an area that experiences frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if utilized incorrectly. They can result in harmful chemical substances that could cause harm to your health. They also can cause fire hazard and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can avoid these risks by following simple safety precautions.
Make sure you use only dry, clean firewood for your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter fluid to ignite or ignite fires. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen to enter. In small amounts, add wood and make sure you don't let the fire go out of control. Don't use a fireplace in the indoors even if you're in a smoking control zone.
Make sure that your chimney and stove are correctly installed. Wood stoves that are not properly installed can ignite a fire in the chimney that could release harmful gasses into your home.