15 Unexpected Facts About Wood Burning Stove That You Never Known

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be wonderful additions to any home. They are best used with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves without secondary combustion admitted air over and below the 5kw multi fuel stove - this resulted in energy loss, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

Modern wood stoves employ an advanced combustion method that separates air supply into two stages. This enables more efficient heating while reducing emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of wood stoves is an indication of how well your wood is turned into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove into a room. A wood burning stove with high efficiency of combustion and heat transfer will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, like carbon monoxide, ash and steam.

Modern wood stoves have a high combustion efficiency due to their modern design. They maximize the amount of heat by using less wood. They also tend to emit less emissions, particularly EPA-certified stoves that require a catalytic combustion combustor to clean exhaust gases as they exit the stove. These cleaner stoves are a good choice for homeowners who want to lessen their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of a wood 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, which can be achieved by maintaining a proper fire in the stove by frequent additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will prevent the build-up of flammable Creosote in the chimney, which could reduce the efficiency of the stove.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of dried and seasoned wood with less than 20%. Dry well-seasoned and seasoned wood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel, but will also create less air pollution and smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants that a new stove can emit in an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves rely upon a secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor in order to minimize emissions and comply with EPA guidelines. If you want to find an wood-burning stove that complies with EPA emission standards, then search for one that has 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 ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals, such as platinum or palladium. The combustor functions similarly to the catalyst in your car that cleans its exhaust. When smoke flows through the combustor at high temperatures noble metals react with particles and the chemicals in the smoke to break them down to harmless end products such as water and carbon dioxide.

This allows the stove to emit less carbon dioxide and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models, without sacrificing efficiency or heat output. The combustor is most efficient when the temperature of the flue gas is at or above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. When the fire is lit in a low flame the gases in the stove aren't able to attain this temperature and the combustor will not function properly.

Burning foreign substances, such as paper logs, treated or painted wood, can damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can result in "masking" which blankets the cells of the combustor with a substance that stops it from functioning according to its intended. Masking can be caused by closing the bypass damper too fast or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar, plugging may occur which causes smoke to leak out.

The combustor, when properly operated and positioned it will last for years of efficient operation. It requires minimal maintenance, aside from taking off the soot from its surface after a prolonged burn and dusting it periodically using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor comes with a bypass damper which is open to start an ignition and closed to refill the stove. Make sure to check the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which shows that your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor could be diminished if you open the bypass damper too soon. If you close the bypass damper too soon can reduce the temperature of the inlet to the combustor and could damage it. If you're unsure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to the instruction manual for your stove or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Control of Airflow

The controls for air flow in your wood stove are vital to ensuring that the fire burns properly and safely. The primary secondary, tertiary and primary air systems are all in place to allow your fire to burn effectively. Each system plays a unique function in the process of combustion.

The primary air control is located either below or inside the stove door. It regulates the amount of air that enters the firebox. More air means a faster-burning fire, but it also increases the chances of creosote or chimney smokiness buildup. When lighting your wood stove, the primary air control should ideally be extended wide and for a short time.

Once you have attained the desired level of heat, you can slowly close the primary air control until the desired temperature has been reached. It is essential to make sure that no smoke is emitted from the chimney or stove as this is a sign of poor combustion.

Secondary airflow controls supply oxygen to the top of your stove, often in the form of air jets placed above your fire. This is the most important aspect of managing your fire. Without it, your fire will burn too quickly and will produce an excessive amount of smoke.

Tertiary airflow is the last stage of your stove's airflow system and is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, allowing your stove to function at its best.

It is crucial to remember that your wood stove was specifically designed and optimized to burn wood for fire. Other types of combustibles will not burn in your wood stove, which can cause high levels in emissions, and even chimney fires. Softwood is also suitable but it needs to be dried for a minimum of 6 months. Avoid using cardboard and paper since they could release toxic fumes or cause ash and creosote to build up in your stove. It is important to not place wood or other combustibles over the top of your stove in case this causes them to explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves are a cost-effective alternative heat source particularly if you reside in an area that experiences frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if used incorrectly. They can produce harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They may also create a fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. You can stay clear of these risks by implementing a few basic precautions.

Make sure to use only dry, clean wood for your wood-burning stove. Never make use of gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to start or rekindle fires. Never burn treated wood or painted wood, or wet wood. Keep the flue wide open to let plenty of oxygen in. In small amounts, add wood and don't let the fire burn to ashes. Don't use a fireplace in the indoors when you're in a smoke control zone.

Make sure that your stove and chimney are properly installed. A poorly constructed wood stove could cause an explosion in the chimney that could release toxic gasses into your home. It is also essential to sweep the chimney and inspected regularly. Verify that the chimney flue is not able to leak, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea to store your wood in a shed or a Tarp. This will allow the wood to dry out and season faster. It is also important to keep the firewood out of other sources of heat to decrease the chance of fire. It's recommended to place your stove on a non-flammable surface like tiles on the floor.

You must be aware of your children's activities around the stove if you have any young children. They might try to play with the ash that is hot or touch the flame which can be hazardous. It is recommended to keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. You should also think about 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 can help you escape your home in the case of an emergency. Take a look at our article on fire escape routes to ensure your home safe.