What Is Wood Burning Stove And How To Use What Is Wood Burning Stove A…

How a Wood Burning woodburner stove Works

Wood-burning stoves are stunning additions to any home. However, they should be used only with properly seasoned logs.

Older stoves that didn't utilize secondary combustion allowed air to get into the chimney and burn above and below the fuel which resulted in pollution and loss of energy.

Modern wood stoves utilize superior combustion principles that splits the air supply into two stages. This allows them to achieve higher heating efficiencies with lower emissions levels.

Efficient Combustion

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

Modern wood stoves have high combustion efficiency, thanks to their sophisticated design. They can maximize the burning by using less wood. These stoves also emit very little emissions, particularly stoves that are EPA-certified and require a catalytic combustor to clean exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are an ideal option for homeowners looking to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of wood stoves.

The improvement of the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of correct operation and maintenance. The most important aspect is to ensure that the combustion process is controlled. This is achieved by maintaining a fire in the stove by regular additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will prevent the buildup 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 percent. Dry, seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same fuel, but it will also create less air pollution and generate less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that restrict the amount of smoke and other pollutants a new stove can emit in an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves depend on a secondary combustion, or a catalytic combustor to reduce pollution and to meet EPA guidelines. If you are looking for an wood-burning stove that meets EPA emission standards, then look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission rate less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves make use of a special ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals like palladium or platinum. The combustor is like the catalyst in your car that cleans its exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react to chemicals and particulates in the smoke and break them into harmless products such as carbon dioxide and water.

This enables the stove to have lower emissions and burn much cleaner than non-catalytic models without sacrificing the heat output or efficiency. The combustor is most efficient when the gas temperature in the flue is 1000degF or greater. The combustor won't work properly if the flame is burned in a low-flame.

The combustor may be damaged by burning foreign materials such as trash, paper 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 working according to its intended. Masking can be caused by closing the bypass damper too soon or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar, plugging could occur, causing smoke spillage.

When properly operated and placed, the combustor can provide years of efficient performance. It requires very little maintenance, other than taking off the soot from its surface following a prolonged burn and dusting it periodically using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor has a bypass damper that is opened to start the fire, and then closed when you're ready to load your stove. Examine 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 could be decreased if you close the bypass damper too soon. Closing the bypass too early could reduce the temperature of the combustor's inlet and cause damage. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to the instruction manual for your stove or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

The controls for air flow in your wood stove are vital to ensure that the fire burns properly and safely. The primary, secondary and tertiary systems all work together to ensure that your fire is burning efficiently. Each plays a unique function in the process of combustion.

The primary air control, located below or inside the door of your stove, controls the quantity of air allowed into the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire, but it also increases the chances of creosote and chimney smokiness buildup. When lighting your wood stove, the main air control should be extended wide and for a short period of time.

Once your fire has accumulated enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat generated. It is crucial to ensure that there isn't any smoke is emitted from the chimney or stove as this is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to inject oxygen into the stove's top, usually as air jets that are placed over your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your flame. Your fire will be burning too quickly and produce large quantities of smoke if it is not controlled.

Tertiary airflow is the final stage of your stove's airflow system and is carried into the updraft area or chimney. This creates a strong draft within the flue, which allows your stove to operate at its peak efficiency.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was built and optimized for burning wood for fire only. Any other type of combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove, and may cause high levels of emissions and potentially chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for at least 6 months. Avoid using paper and cardboard since they could release toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build up in your stove. It is important to avoid placing wood or other combustibles over top of your fire, as this can cause the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves are an excellent alternative to electricity, especially in areas that are prone to frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if utilized incorrectly. They can create harmful chemicals that can harm your health. They may also create a fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can minimize these dangers by taking basic safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry wood for your stove. Never make use of gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to ignite or ignite fires. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen into. Add wood in small quantities and do not let the fire burn to ashes. If you're in a smoke-control zone do not make use of an indoor fire.

Check that your chimney and stove have been properly installed. Poorly installed wood stoves can ignite a fire in the chimney that could release toxic gasses into your home. Regularly checking and cleaning the chimney is essential. Check that the flue is not leaking, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Place your wood in a shed or under a tarp. This will help the wood dry and grow faster. It is also important to keep the firewood away from other sources of heat to minimize the risk of fire. It is also recommended to place your stove on a non-flammable surface, such as a tiled floor.

It is important to be aware of your children's activities around the stove if you have young ones. They might try to play with the ash that is hot or touch the fire, which is dangerous. Also, keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. It is also recommended to install a heat shield to safeguard walls and other surfaces from damage. It's also an excellent idea for your family to practice home fire drills. This can help you escape your home in the event of an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home safe take a look at our article on escape routes to a fire in the event of a house fire.<img src="https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/286/nrg-4-5kw-eco-design-stove-multifuel-cast-iron-fireplace-portable-defra-approved-286.jpg