How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are wonderful additions to any home. However, 5829186.xyz; https://www.5829186.xyz/g5e-uesf76-c91lx-p31qqu5-697tcn-1960/, they should be used only with properly seasoned logs.

Older stoves with no secondary combustion let air in below and 5829186 (click through the next article) above the fuel. This resulted in energy loss, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

Modern wood stoves utilize 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 lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of your wood stove is a measurement of how effectively your wood is converted into heat. The efficiency of 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 efficiency will use less fuel, and produce less waste such as carbon monoxide and steam.

Modern wood stoves usually feature high combustion efficiency due to their sophisticated design features which allow them to maximize the burn and require less wood. They also tend to have low emission levels and are especially effective with EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor, which cleans the exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are a great option for homeowners looking to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying the warmth of a wood stove.

The improvement of the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of correct operation and maintenance. The most important aspect is to ensure the combustion process is controlled. This 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 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 a moisture content under 20 percent. Dry wood that is seasoned and dried 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 harmful substances a new stove releases in an hour. To meet the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves use secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor to regulate combustion and limit the amount of pollutants they emit. If you are looking for a wood burning stove that complies with EPA emission standards, then look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission level lower than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves use a special ceramic honeycombed combustor coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platinum. The combustor works much similar to what your catalyst in your car to clean the exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react with chemicals and particulates 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 sacrificing efficiency or heat output. The combustor performs best when the flue gas temperature is at or above 1,000degF. When the fire is lit at a low temperature the gases in the stove aren't able to attain this temperature and the combustor won't function properly.

The combustor may be damaged by burning foreign materials such as trash, paper logs painted or treated wood. The burning of these substances can cause "masking" which protects the cells of the combustor with a substance, preventing it from working effectively. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too soon or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells have not been regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar build up, plugging may occur which causes smoke spillage.

If properly operated and positioned, the combustor 5829186.xyz will operate to give years of reliable performance. It will require little maintenance, other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a prolonged burn and periodically cleaning it with a soft, dry brush.

The combustor 5829186 has an bypass damper that is open to start a fire and closed to refill the stove. Check the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator which shows when your combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. Doing this too soon will decrease the operating range of the combustor. Closing the bypass damper too early will reduce the inlet temperature to the combustor and could damage it. If you're unsure how to operate the bypass damper, check the manual of your stove's instructions or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

The air flow controls in your wood stove are essential to ensuring that the fire is properly and safely. The primary secondary, tertiary and primary air systems cooperate to enable your fire to burn efficiently. Each plays a distinct role in the combustion process.

The air control is located either below or inside the stove door. It controls the amount air that enters the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire but it also increases the risk of creosote or chimney smokiness buildup. Ideally, the primary air control should be opened wide for a brief period prior to lighting your wood stove.

Once you've reached the desired temperature then you can slowly shut the air control that is primary until the desired temperature is attained. It is important to ensure that there isn't any smoke is emitted from the chimney or stove since this could indicate poor combustion.

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

Tertiary airflow is the final stage of the stove's airflow system. It is fed into the updraft section or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, which allows your fire to function optimally.

It is important to note that the wood stove you have was designed and optimised for burning wood for fire only. Any other type of combustion fuel will not be able to burn in your wood stove and could result in high levels emissions and potentially chimney fires. Softwood is also suitable 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 ash and creosote to build within your stove. You should also avoid placing any logs or other combustibles in the vicinity of your stove as they may explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can be a great alternative to electricity, especially when your area is susceptible to frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if used incorrectly. They can release harmful chemicals that could affect your health. They also can create an ignition risk and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. You can stay clear of these risks by taking a few simple safety measures.

Make sure you use only dry, clean firewood in your wood-burning stove. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper, or any other flammable materials to ignite or rekindle a fire. Never burn treated wood, painted wood or wet wood. Keep the flue wide open to allow plenty of oxygen to enter. In small amounts, add wood and don't let the fire burn to ashes. Don't use a fireplace in the indoors if you're in a smoke control zone.

Make sure that your chimney and stove have been installed correctly. Wood stoves that are not properly installed could cause a fire to the chimney, which can release harmful gases into your home. Cleaning and inspecting the chimney is also essential. Make sure the chimney flue doesn't leak, as this can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is a good idea to store your wood in a shed or a tarp. This will allow the wood to dry out and get into the season quicker. It is also important to keep the firewood out of other sources of heat to decrease fire risks. You should also put your stove on a non-flammable surface like a tiled floor.

If you have children who are young ensure that you supervise them around the stove. They may try to play with the ash that is hot or even touch the fire which can be hazardous. Also, keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. Consider installing a heat shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. It's also a good idea for your family to practice fire drills at home. This will help 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 safe.