The Reasons Wood Burning Stove Is More Difficult Than You Think

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are stunning additions to any home. However it is important to use them only with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves without secondary combustion allowed air to pass through over and below the fuel. This resulted in energy loss, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

Modern wood stoves employ an advanced combustion technique that separates the air supply into two phases. This lets them improve the efficiency of heating while generating lower emissions levels.

Efficient Combustion

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

Modern wood stoves have high combustion efficiency due to their sophisticated design. They maximize the amount of heat by using less wood. They also tend to have low emission levels particularly when using EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor, which cleans the exhaust gases when 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 convenience 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 combustion process. This is accomplished by adding small pieces of wood regularly and maintaining a steady burning stove. This will stop the accumulation of flammable Creosote inside the chimney which can reduce the efficiency of the stove.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned firewood that has a moisture content under 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same 5kw multi fuel stove (how you can help) however, it will create less air pollution and generate less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that limit the amount of smoke and other harmful substances a new stove wood burning releases in an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves depend on a secondary combustion, or a 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, look for one that is adorned with an EPA certification sticker and has a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves utilize a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals such as platinum or palladium. The combustor functions similarly to the catalyst in your car that cleans the exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react with the particulates and chemicals in the smoke and break them into harmless end products such as water and carbon dioxide.

This enables the stove to produce lower emissions and burn much more efficiently than other models without losing heat output or efficiency. The combustor operates most efficiently when the gas temperature in the flue is 1000degF or more. The combustor will not work properly if the flame is burnt in a low flame.

The combustor can be damaged by burning foreign substances like paper, trash logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these substances can result in "masking" which blankets the combustor cells with a substance that prevents it from functioning as intended. Masking can also result from closing the bypass damper to soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells aren't cleaned regularly of creosote, fly-ash and tar, plugging could occur, causing smoke spillage.

When properly operated and placed, the combustor will operate to provide years of reliable performance. It will require very little maintenance other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a long burn and periodically cleaning it with a soft, dry brush.

The combustor comes with a bypass damper which is opened to start a fire and closed to reload the stove. Inspect the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which will indicate the combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor may be decreased if you close the bypass damper too soon. Closing the bypass too soon could reduce the temperature of the combustor's inlet and damage it. Refer to the manual for your stove's instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also contact our customer service department if you require assistance.

Airflow Controls

The controls for air flow in your wood stove are crucial to ensuring that the fire burns properly and safely. The primary, secondary and tertiary air systems are all in place to allow your fire to burn effectively. 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 amount of air allowed into the firebox. More air will burn the fire more quickly, but it can increase the possibility of chimney smoke and creosote. When lighting your wood stove, the primary air control should ideally be open wide and for a brief period of time.

When 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 generated. It is crucial to make sure that no smoke is being produced from the stove or chimney as it is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to feed oxygen into the stove's top, usually as air jets placed above your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of managing your fire. Without it, your fire will burn too fast and produce an excessive amount of smoke.

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

It is crucial to remember that your wood stove was built and optimized to burn firewood only. Any other type of combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove, and may result in high levels emissions and potentially chimney fires. Softwood is also acceptable but it needs to be dried for a minimum of 6 months. Avoid using manmade combustibles like cardboard and paper, since these can cause toxic fumes and build ups of creosote or ash inside your stove. It is also recommended to not place wood or other combustibles over top of your fire in case this causes the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can provide an efficient alternative to heat sources, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. However, they can be risky if they are used in a way that is not properly. They can release harmful chemicals that can harm your health. They can also cause a fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can minimize these risks by following basic safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood for your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper or other flammable substances to start or rekindle a fire. Never burn treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen to enter. Always add wood in small amounts and don't let the fire smolder. Never use an indoor fireplace when you're in a smoke control area.

Make sure that your chimney and stove are properly installed. A poorly constructed wood stove could result in a chimney fire that can release toxic gases into your home. Cleaning and inspecting the chimney is also essential. Check that the flue is not flowing, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is a good idea to store your wood in a shed or the tarp. This will allow the wood to dry out and season faster. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the wood away from other heat sources. You should also place your stove on a non-flammable surface, such as a tiled floor.

If you have children who are young make sure you supervise them around the stove. They might play with the hot ash or touch the flame which could be dangerous. In addition, it is recommended to keep all items that are flammable at least three feet from the stove. Consider installing a heat shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. It's also an excellent idea to have your family practice fire drills at home. This will allow you to escape your home in the situation of an emergency. Check out our article about fire escape routes to ensure your home safe.