How a Wood Burning Stove Works
Wood burning stoves are wonderful additions 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 Www.5829186.xyz above the fuel, resulting in the loss of energy as well as chimney tarring and air pollution.
Modern wood stoves employ an advanced combustion method that splits air supply into two phases. This results in higher heating efficiency with lower emissions.
Efficient Combustion
The efficiency of combustion in your wood stove is a measure of how efficiently the wood you use is converted into heat. It is distinct from heating transfer efficiency, which is the amount of heat that is transferred from your stove into a room. A wood-burning stove with high efficiency and combustion will require less fuel and generate less waste such as steam and carbon monoxide.
Modern wood stoves boast high combustion efficiency, thanks to their modern design. They can maximize the burning and use less wood. They also tend to have low emission levels, especially when using EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor that cleans exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are a great choice for homeowners who want to minimize their impact on the environment, while enjoying the warmth and the comfort of a wood-burning stove.
Increasing the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of correct operation and maintenance. The most important factor is to control the process of combustion. This is achieved by adding small pieces of wood frequently and maintaining a steady fire in the stove. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote inside the chimney, which could cause the stove to become less efficient.
Another key element in the efficiency of wood stoves is the use of properly dried, seasoned firewood that has less than 20 percent. Dry, seasoned firewood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel, but will also produce less air pollution and smoke.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines to limit the amount smoke and other pollutants that an appliance can release within an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor, to reduce the amount of pollution and to meet EPA guidelines. To find an appliance that is compliant with the EPA emission standards, search for one with an EPA certification label and a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hour.
Catalytic Combustion
Catalytic woodstoves use a honeycomb combustor made of ceramic that is coated with noble metals such as palladium or platin. The combustor functions similarly to the catalyst in your car that cleans the exhaust. When smoke flows through the combustor, at high temperatures, noble metals react with the particulates and chemical compounds in the smoke to break them down into harmless end products like water and carbon dioxide.
This allows the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn much cleaner than non-catalytic models without loss of the amount of heat produced or efficiency. The combustor performs its best when the temperature of the gas in the flue is 1000degF or more. The combustor won’t work properly if the flame is burnt in a low-flame.
Burning foreign substances, such as paper logs, painted or treated wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials could result in “masking” that covers the cells of the combustor with a substance that stops it from working as intended. Masking can be caused by closing the bypass damper too fast or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cell is not regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash it could cause smoke spillage.
Properly operated and positioned the combustor can provide years of efficient performance. It requires minimal maintenance, other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a long burn and dusting it regularly with a soft dry bristled brush.
The combustor comes with a bypass damper that can be opened to start an ignition and shut to load the stove. Check the bypass damper for the “operate catalyst” indicator, which indicates when your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor may be reduced if you open the bypass damper prematurely. Closing the bypass too soon can reduce the temperature of the combustor’s outlet and damage it. Refer to the manual for your stove’s instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also reach our customer service department should you require assistance.
Control of Airflow
The air flow controls on your wood stove are crucial to ensure that the fire burns safely and properly. The primary, secondary, www.5829186.Xyz and tertiary systems all work together to ensure that your fire is burning efficiently. Each of these systems plays a distinct part in the combustion process.
The main air control is located below or inside the stove’s door. It controls the amount air that enters the firebox. More air will ignite the fire faster, but it can increase the possibility of chimney smoke and creosote. When you light your wood stove, 5829186.Xyz the primary air control should ideally be open wide and for a brief period of time.
Once you’ve attained the desired level of heat then you can slowly shut the air control that is primary until the desired temperature has been attained. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke as this indicates inefficient combustion.
Secondary airflow controls pump oxygen to the top of your stove, typically in the form of air jets that are placed over your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling your fire. Your fire will burn too fast and create excessive amounts of smoke without it.
Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the airflow system of your stove and 5829186 is fed into the updraft section or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, which allows your fire to function optimally.
It is important to remember that your wood stove has been designed and optimised solely to burn wood for fire. Any other burning combustible won’t burn as well in your wood stove and can result in high levels of emissions and possibly chimney fires. Softwood is also acceptable however, seasoned hardwood needs to be dried for at least 6 months. Avoid using cardboard and paper as they can emit toxic fumes or cause ash and creosote to build within your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles on your fire, as they could explode.
Safety
Wood-burning stoves are an efficient alternative to heat sources particularly if you reside in a location that has frequent power outages. However, they can also be dangerous if used improperly. They can result in harmful chemical substances that can be harmful to your health. They may also create a fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by following some simple safety precautions.
Make sure you use only dry, clean firewood for your wood-burning stove. Never make use of gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper or other flammable materials to start or rekindle a fire. Never burn treated wood or painted wood, or wet wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen into. Always add wood in small amounts and make sure that the fire doesn’t burn out. If you live in a smoke-control area, never make use of an indoor fire.
Make sure your chimney and stove are installed correctly. Wood stoves that are not properly installed can ignite a fire in the chimney that could release harmful gasses into your home. It is also important to ensure that the chimney is swept and inspected on a regular basis. Check that the flue isn’t leaking, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
It’s a good idea store your wood in a shed or 5829186.xyz a Tarp. This will allow the wood dry and grow faster. To reduce the risk 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, like tiles.
You must supervise your children around the stove if you have any young ones. They might try to play with the ash hot or touch the flame, which is dangerous. In addition, you should 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’s also an excellent idea to have your family practice home fire drills. This will help you to escape your home in the event of an emergency. For more information on how to keep your home secure, check out our article on escape routes to a fire in case of a house fire.