A Reference To Wood Burning Stove From Start To Finish

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood-burning stoves are stunning additions to any home. They are best used with wood that has been properly seasoned.

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

Modern wood stoves employ a superior combustion method 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 your wood stove is a measure of the speed at which your wood is transformed into heat. It differs from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the amount of heat that gets from your stove to the room. A wood burning stove with high efficiency of combustion and heat transfer will require less fuel and create less waste, such as carbon monoxide, ash and steam.

Modern wood stoves generally have high combustion efficiencies because they feature sophisticated design features which allow them to maximize their burn and make use of 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 cleaner stoves are the perfect choice for homeowners who want to minimize their impact on the surroundings, while still enjoying the warmth and comfort of a wood burning stove.

Enhancing 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. This can be achieved by maintaining a proper fire in the stove by regular additions of small wood stove pieces of wood burning stoves (Full Guide) regularly. This will prevent the accumulation of flammable Creosote in the chimney, which could cause the stove to become less efficient.

Another important factor in the efficiency of wood stoves is the use of properly dried wood that is seasoned and has less than 20 percent. Dry and seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same fuel and will emit less air pollution and produce less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established guidelines to limit the amount smoke and other pollutants that a new stove may emit in an hour. To meet the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves use a secondary combustion process or a catalytic combustor to control combustion and minimize the amount of pollutants they emit. To find a wood stove that is in line 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 use the honeycomb combustor, which is made of ceramic and is coated with noble metals such as platin or palladium. The combustor works much like the catalyst in your car works to clean the exhaust. The noble metals in the combustor react with particulates and chemicals in the smoke, breaking them into harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to emit less carbon dioxide and burn cleaner than non-catalytic models without loss of efficiency or heat output. The combustor performs its best when the temperature of the gas in the flue is at least 1,000degF or more. When the fire is lit at a low temperature the gases in the stove do not attain this temperature and the combustor will not function properly.

Burning foreign materials, like paper logs, treated or painted wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these substances can cause "masking", which protects the cells of the combustor with an ingredient, which prevents it from performing properly. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too fast or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote and fly-ash it could result in smoke spillage.

If properly operated and positioned, the combustor will operate to provide years of reliable performance. It requires minimal maintenance other than cleaning off the soot from its surface after a prolonged burn and dusting it regularly using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with a bypass damper which is open to begin the fire, and then closed when you're ready for reloading your stove. Make sure to check the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which will indicate the combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The bypass damper being opened too soon can reduce the operating range of the combustor. Closing the bypass too early could reduce the temperature of the combustor's outlet and damage it. If you're unsure how to operate the bypass damper, check your stove's instruction manual or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Control of Airflow

The air flow controls in your wood stove are crucial to ensuring that the fire burns safely and properly. The primary, secondary and tertiary systems work together to ensure that your fire burns efficiently. Each air system plays a distinct part in the combustion process.

The air control that is situated either below or within the door of your stove, controls amount of air that is allowed into the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire but it also increases the chance of creosote or chimney smokiness buildup. The ideal is that the air control should be opened for a brief period prior to lighting your wood stove.

Once 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. It is essential to ensure that no smoke is coming out of the chimney or stove since this is a sign of an inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are used to inject oxygen into your stove's top, usually in the form of air jets that are placed above the fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Without it the fire will burn too quickly and will produce an excessive amount of smoke.

Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the airflow system of your stove and is directed into the updraft section or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, which allows your fire to perform at its best.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was specifically designed and optimized for the purpose of burning wood for fire. Other types of combustibles do not be able to burn in your wood stove, which can cause high levels in emissions and even chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice but it needs to be dried for a minimum of 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 also a good idea to avoid placing firewood or other combustibles on the top of your fire in case this causes the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves can be an affordable alternative to heating, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. However, they can also be dangerous if used improperly. They can produce harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They can also cause a fire hazard and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can minimize these risks by following basic safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood for your stove. Do not use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper or other flammable substances to start or rekindle a fire. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen to enter. Add wood in small wood burning stoves quantities and do not let the fire go out of control. If you are in a smoke-control room do not make use of an indoor fire.

Make sure your chimney and stove are correctly installed. A poorly installed wood stove could result in a chimney fire that can release harmful gasses into your home. Regularly checking and cleaning the chimney is essential. Check that the flue is not leaky, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keep your wood in a shed, or under a cover. This can help the wood to get seasoned and dry more quickly. It is also important to keep the firewood out of other sources of heat to minimize fire risks. You should also place your stove on an inflammable surface like a tiled floor.

If you have children, be sure to be sure to supervise them around the stove. They might try to touch the flame or play with the ash that is hot, which can be hazardous. Additionally, you should keep all items that are flammable at least three feet from the stove. You should also think about installing an air shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. It's also a good idea to have your family practice home fire drills. This will allow you to get out of your home in case of emergency. Take a look at our article on fire escape routes to ensure your home secure.