Wood Burning Stove 101"The Complete" Guide For Beginners

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are wonderful additions to any home. They should only be used with wood that has been properly seasoned.

Older stoves that did not utilize secondary combustion allowed air to enter the chimney and burn both above and below the fuel, causing the loss of energy and polluting.

Modern wood stoves utilize an advanced combustion technique that splits the air supply into two phases. This allows for more efficient heating while reducing emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of wood stoves is a measure of how well your wood is turned into heat. It is different from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the amount of heat that is transferred from your stove into a room. A wood-burning stove that has high efficiency of combustion and heat transfer will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, including carbon monoxide, ash, and steam.

Modern wood stoves typically have high efficiency in combustion due to their sophisticated design features that enable them to maximize the burning and make use of less wood. These stoves also tend to emit low levels of emissions, particularly stoves certified by the EPA that require a catalytic combustor to remove exhaust gases after they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their impact on the environment, while enjoying the warmth and convenience of a wood burning stove.

Proper operation and maintenance will increase the efficiency of your stove. The most important thing is to control the combustion process. This can be achieved by adding small pieces of wood on a regular basis and maintaining a good flame in the stove. This will help prevent the build-up of flammable Creosote within the chimney that could make the stove less efficient.

Another important factor in the efficiency of wood stoves is to use properly dried wood that is seasoned and has an average moisture content of less than 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only provide more heat for the same fuel however, it will emit less air pollution and generate less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants that a new stove can emit in an hour. Most modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor in order to minimize emissions and comply with 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 an emission limit of less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves utilize a ceramic honeycomb combustor that is coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platin. The combustor is similar to the catalyst in your car that cleans the exhaust. The noble metals in the combustor react with particles and chemicals that are in the smoke, breaking them into harmless products like carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn more efficiently than other models without losing the amount of heat produced or efficiency. The combustor performs its best when the temperature of the gas in the flue is 1,000degF or more. The combustor will not perform as efficiently if the fire is burned in a low flame.

The combustor could be damaged by burning foreign materials like paper, trash logs painted or treated wood. The burning of these materials could result in "masking" that covers the cells of the combustor with a substance that stops it from performing in the way it was intended. Masking can also result from closing the bypass damper too shortly or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells aren't regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar, a plugging could occur, which can cause smoke to spill out.

The combustor, if properly operated and placed, will provide years of reliable operation. It requires very little maintenance, aside from taking off the soot from its surface after a prolonged burn and dusting it regularly using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor comes with a bypass damper which is opened to start an ignition and closed to refill the stove. Check the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator that indicates if 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 early. Closing the bypass damper too early will reduce the inlet temperature to the combustor and could cause damage to it. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to the manual of your stove's instructions or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

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

The primary air control, situated either below or within your stove's door controls the amount of air allowed into the firebox. More air means a more efficient burning fire, but it also increases the risk of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. Ideally, the air control should be opened for a brief period prior to lighting your wood stove.

After the fire has developed enough heat, the main air control can be closed down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat produced. The stove or chimney should not emit any smoke, as this could indicate inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls supply oxygen into the top of your stove, typically in the form of air jets that are placed above your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Without it the fire will burn too quickly and create an excessive amount of smoke.

Tertiary airflow is a final stage of your stove's airflow system and is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This creates a strong draft within the flue, which allows your fire to reach its maximum efficiency.

It is important to keep in mind that the wood stove you have was designed and optimized to burn firewood only. Any other combustion fuel will not be able to burn in your wood stove and can cause high levels of emissions, and even chimney fires. The most efficient type of combustion fuel is well-seasoned hardwood that has been dried for at minimum six months, but softwood is equally effective. Avoid using manmade combustibles like paper and cardboard, as they can create toxic fumes as well as buildups of ash or creosote within your stove. It is important to avoid placing any firewood or other combustibles on the top of your stove, as this can cause the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves are a great alternative to electricity, especially if your area is prone to frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if employed in a wrong manner. They can produce harmful chemicals that can harm your health. They may also create a fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can minimize these risks by following some simple safety guidelines.

Use only clean, dry wood for your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid, wrapping paper or other flammable materials to ignite or rekindle fire. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen in. Always add wood in small amounts and don't let the fire smolder. If you're in a smoke-control room do not make use of an indoor fire.

Make sure your stove fireplace and chimney are properly installed. A poorly installed wood stove can cause a fire in the chimney, which could release harmful gases into your home. Regularly checking and cleaning the chimney is essential. Check that the chimney flue does not leak, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keep your wood in a shed or under a tarp. This will allow the wood to season and dry more quickly. It is also recommended to keep the firewood from other sources of heat to minimize the risk of fire. You should also put your stove on an inflammable surface like a tiled floor.

You must be sure to supervise your children around the stove, especially if you have youngsters. They may try to play with the ash hot or touch the flame which can be hazardous. In addition, it is recommended to keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. It is also recommended to install an air shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. It is also advisable to encourage your family members to 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 keep your home safe.