How a Wood Burning Stove Works
Wood-burning stoves are a beautiful addition to any home. However it is important to use them only with properly seasoned wood.
Older stoves that did not use secondary combustion allowed air to get into the chimney, and burn above and below the fuel, causing energy loss and
913875 pollution.
Modern wood stoves use an advanced combustion technique that separates the air supply into two phases. This lets them increase the efficiency of their heating systems while also producing lower emissions levels.
Efficient Combustion
The efficiency of combustion in the wood stove is an indication of how well the wood you use is turned into heat. The efficiency of the heating transfer is the quantity of heat that is transferred from your stove to a room. A wood burning stove with high combustion and heating transfer efficiencies will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, like carbon monoxide, ash and steam.
Modern wood stoves usually have high efficiency in combustion because they feature sophisticated design features that allow them to maximize the burning and require less wood. They also tend to emit low levels of emissions, especially stoves certified by the EPA that require a catalytic combustor in order to purify exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are an ideal option for homeowners who wish to lessen their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of wood stoves.
The improvement of the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of proper operation and maintenance. The most important factor
913875.xyz is to ensure the combustion process is controlled. This can be achieved by maintaining a proper fire in the stove with frequent additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote inside the chimney, which could make the stove less efficient.
A wood stove's efficiency is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned firewood that has less than 20%. Dry and seasoned wood will not only provide more heat for the same fuel and will emit less air pollution and generate less smoke.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants that a new stove can emit in an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor, in order to minimize pollution and to meet EPA guidelines. To find a wood stove that is in line with the EPA emission standards, search for one that has an EPA certification label and an emission limit of less than 4 grams per hour.
Catalytic Combustion
Catalytic wood stoves use a special ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals like platinum or palladium. The combustor functions in similar to what your catalyst in your car to clean your exhaust. When smoke is pushed through the combustor at high temperatures noble metals react with the particulates and chemicals in the smoke,
913875 breaking them down into harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.
This allows the stove to emit less carbon dioxide and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models without sacrificing efficiency or heat output. The combustor performs best when the flue gas temperature is at least 1,000 degF. If the fire is burnt in a low-flame, the gases inside the stove do not reach this temperature and the combustor will not function properly.
Burning foreign substances, such as paper logs, treated or painted wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these substances can result in "masking" that protects the cells of the combustor with a substance, preventing it from functioning correctly. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too soon or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar, plugging could occur, causing smoke to leak out.
The combustor, if properly installed and operated it will last for years of efficient operation. It requires minimal 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 is equipped with a bypass damper which is opened to ignite an ignition and closed to reload the stove. Inspect the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which indicates the combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor could be reduced if you open the bypass damper prematurely. If you close the bypass too quickly, it could lower the temperature of the combustor's outlet and 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 if you require assistance.
Airflow Controls
Controls of air flow are vital to ensure that your wood stove is burning safely and efficiently. The primary, secondary and tertiary systems work together to ensure that your fire burns efficiently. Each plays a unique part in the combustion process.
The main air control is located either beneath or inside the stove's door. It regulates the amount of air that enters the firebox. More air will burn the fire faster however it could also increase the risk of chimney smoke and creosote. Ideally, the primary air control should be open for a short time when lighting your wood stove.
Once the fire has developed enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down slowly until you're happy with the amount of heat being produced. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke as this could indicate the combustion is not efficient.
Secondary airflow controls are utilized to feed oxygen into the stove's top, usually in the form of air jets placed above your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling the flame. Your fire will burn too fast and create excessive amounts of smoke without it.
Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the stove's airflow system. It is fed into the updraft section or chimney. This helps to create a strong draft within the flue and allows your fire to reach its peak efficiency.
It is crucial to remember that your wood stove was specifically designed and optimized for the purpose of burning wood for fire. Other combustibles may not burn in your wood stove, which can cause high levels in emissions and even chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice however, seasoned hardwood needs to be dried for at least six months. Avoid using paper and cardboard because they release toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build up in your stove. You should also avoid placing logs or any other combustibles over your stove as they may explode.
Safety
Wood-burning stoves are an affordable alternative to heating, especially if you live in a location that has frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if utilized incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemicals that can harm your health. They can also cause a fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. You can reduce the risk by implementing a few basic precautions.
Use only clean, dry wood for your wood-burning stove. Do not make use of 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 open to let plenty of oxygen to enter. Always add wood in small pieces and do not let the fire burn out. Never use an indoor fireplace when you're in a smoke control zone.
Make sure your stove and chimney have been properly installed. A poorly installed wood stove can cause an unintentional chimney fire that can release toxic gases into your home. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the chimney is essential.
