The Infrequently Known Benefits To Wood Burning Stove

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be stunning additions to any home. However, they should be used only with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves that didn't utilize secondary combustion allowed air to enter the chimney and burn above and below the fuel, causing pollution and loss of energy.

Modern wood stoves use a superior combustion method that separates the air supply into two phases. This lets them increase the efficiency of their heating systems while also producing less emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of your wood stove is a measurement of how effectively the wood you use is converted into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove to a room. A wood burning stove that has high efficiency in combustion and heating transfer will use less multi fuel stoves for sale - visit ksbellows_en.acus.kr - and produce less waste, such as ash, carbon monoxide, and steam.

Modern wood stoves generally have high combustion efficiencies due to their sophisticated design features that enable them to maximize their burn and use less wood. They also tend to have lower emissions particularly when using EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor that cleans exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are an excellent choice for those seeking to lessen their impact on the environment, while still enjoying the warmth and convenience of a wood burning stove.

The improvement of the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of correct operation and maintenance. The most important aspect is controlling the combustion process. This is accomplished by adding small pieces of wood frequently and maintaining a good fire in the stove. This will help prevent the accumulation of flammable Creosote within the chimney that could make the stove less efficient.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of dried and seasoned firewood that has less than 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only provide more heat for the same fuel however, it will create less air pollution and produce less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set guidelines to limit the amount smoke and other pollutants a new stove may emit in an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves rely upon a secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor in order to minimize pollution and meet EPA guidelines. To find a wood stove that is in line with the EPA emission standards, choose one that is adorned with an EPA certification sticker and a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves make use of a ceramic honeycomb combustor that is coated with noble metals like palladium or platin. The combustor is similar to the catalyst in your car that cleans your exhaust. When smoke flows through the combustor at high temperatures, noble metals react with particles and the chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down into harmless products like carbon dioxide and water.

This enables the stove to produce lower emissions and burn much cleaner than non-catalytic models without sacrificing heat output or efficiency. The combustor is most efficient when the flue gas temperature is at or above 1,000 degF. When the fire is burned in a low-flame the gases inside the stove aren't able to attain this temperature and the combustor will not function properly.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, treated or painted wood, can damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can result in "masking" which is a covering of the combustor's cells by some substance, preventing it from working correctly. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too fast or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells aren't cleaned regularly of creosote, fly-ash and tar, a plugging may occur which causes smoke to spill out.

The combustor, if properly operated and positioned properly, will give years of reliable operation. It requires little maintenance, other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a prolonged burn and dusting it frequently with a soft dry bristled brush.

The combustor comes with an bypass damper that can be opened to start the fire and closed when you're ready for reloading your stove. Check the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator that indicates if your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor will be diminished if you open the bypass damper prematurely. Closing the bypass damper too early will reduce the inlet temperature to the combustor and could cause damage to it. Refer to the manual for your stove's instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also contact our customer service department should you need assistance.

Control of Airflow

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

The main air control is situated below or inside the stove's door. It regulates the amount of air that gets into the firebox. More air means a faster-burning fire, but it also increases the chance of creosote or chimney smokiness buildup. When you light your wood stove, the main air control should be opened wide and for a brief period of time.

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

Secondary airflow controls supply oxygen to the top of your stove, usually in the form of air jets placed over your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling your flame. Your fire will be burning too fast and produce excessive amounts smoke without it.

Tertiary airflow is the final stage of the stove's airflow system. It is carried into the updraft area or chimney. This helps to create a strong draft within the flue and allows your fire to reach its maximum efficiency.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was built and optimised for burning wood that is firewood only. Any other combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and can result in high levels emissions, and even chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for a minimum of 6 months. Avoid using paper and cardboard because they release toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build up in your stove. It is important to not place wood or other combustibles over the top of your fire in case this causes the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves are an affordable alternative to heating particularly if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. However, they can be dangerous if used incorrectly. They can create harmful chemicals that can harm your health. They can also cause a fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by following basic safety precautions.

Make sure you use only dry, clean firewood in your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to start or ignite fires. Never burn treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen in. Add wood in small amounts and do not let the fire smolder. Never use an indoor fireplace even if you're in a smoking control zone.

Make sure your chimney and stove are correctly installed. A poorly constructed wood stove could cause an unintentional chimney fire that can release harmful gasses into your home. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the chimney is also essential. Ensure that the flue is not leaky, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Place your wood in a shed or under a sheet of tarp. This can allow the wood to season and dry quicker. It is also recommended to keep the firewood from other sources of heat to minimize the risk of fire. It is also a good idea to place your stove on a non-flammable area, like tiles.

You should supervise your children around the stove, especially if you have youngsters. They may try to play with the hot ash or touch the flame, which is dangerous. It is recommended to keep all flammable items at least three feet away from the stove. You should also think about installing a heat shield to protect walls and other surfaces from damage. It's also a good idea to have your family practice home fire drills. This will help you escape your home in the situation of an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home safe, check out our article on fire escape routes in the event of a house fire.