How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves can be an excellent addition to any home. They should only be used with wood that has been properly seasoned.

Older stoves with no secondary combustion admitted air below and above the fuel. This resulted in the loss of energy as well as chimney tarring and air pollution.

Modern wood stoves utilize a superior combustion method that splits the air supply into two phases. This lets them achieve higher heating efficiencies with lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

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

Modern wood stoves boast high efficiency in combustion, due to their advanced design. They maximize the burn while using less wood. They also tend to emit less emissions, particularly EPA-certified stoves that require a catalytic combustor in order to remove exhaust gases after they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are the perfect choice for homeowners who want to minimize their impact on our environment, while still enjoying the warmth and convenience of a wood burning stove.

Proper operation and maintenance will increase the efficiency of your stove. The most important factor is to control the process of combustion. This is accomplished by adding small pieces of wood on a regular basis and ensuring a constant fire in the stove. This will help prevent the build-up of flammable Creosote in the chimney, which could make the stove less efficient.

Another key element in the effectiveness of a wood stove is using properly dried and seasoned firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent. Dry wood that is seasoned and dried will not only provide more heat for the same fuel, but it will also produce fewer air pollution emissions and produce less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants a new stove may emit within an hour. The majority of modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion, or catalytic combustor to reduce pollution and meet EPA guidelines. To find a wood stove that meets the EPA emission standards, search for one with an EPA certification sticker and a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves use the honeycomb combustor, which is made of ceramic and is coated with noble metals like palladium or platin. The combustor functions in like the catalyst in your car works to clean the exhaust. When smoke is pushed through the combustor at high temperatures, the noble metals react with the particles and the chemicals in the smoke to break them down into harmless end products such as carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn much more efficiently than non-catalytic models, without loss of heat output or efficiency. The combustor performs its best when the temperature of gas in the flue is 1000degF or higher. When the fire is lit in a low-flame the gases in the stove aren't able to reach this temperature and the combustor won't function properly.

The combustor can be damaged by burning foreign materials like paper, trash logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these materials could result in "masking" that covers the combustor cells with a substance that prevents it from working as intended. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too soon or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells have not been cleaned regularly of creosote, fly-ash and tar, plugging may occur which causes smoke to leak out.

If properly operated and positioned, the combustor can provide years of reliable performance. It will require little maintenance other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a prolonged burn and then dusting it with a soft, dry brush.

The combustor is equipped with a bypass damper that is opened to ignite the fire, and then closed when you're ready to reload your stove. Make sure to check the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which shows the combustor is operating within its ideal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor will be reduced if you open the bypass damper prematurely. If you close the bypass too quickly, it can reduce the temperature of the combustor's intake and cause damage. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to your stove's instruction manual or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

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 of these systems plays a distinct role in the combustion process.

The air control is located below or inside the stove's door. It controls the amount air that gets into the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire but it also increases the chances 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.

When your fire has accumulated enough heat, the main air control can be closed down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat being produced. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke as this indicates the combustion is not efficient.

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

The secondary airflow, the final stage of the airflow system of your stove, is fed into the updraft or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, allowing your fire to function at its peak.

It is crucial to remember that your wood stove was designed and optimized to burn wood for fire only. Any other combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and can result in high levels of emissions and potentially chimney fires. Softwood is also acceptable, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for a minimum of 6 months. Avoid using cardboard and paper because they release toxic fumes or cause ash and creosote to build up in your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles over your fire as they can explode.

Safety

outdoor wood burning stove-burning stoves are a cost-effective alternative heat source particularly if you reside in a region with frequent power outages. However, they can also be dangerous if used improperly. They can release harmful chemicals that can harm your health. They can also create an ignition risk and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can avoid these risks by following some basic safety precautions.

Make sure to use only dry, clean wood burning stove for sale for your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper or other flammable materials to ignite or rekindle a flame. Never ignite treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen in. Always add wood in small increments and do not let the fire burn out. If you're in a smoke-control area don't set up an indoor fire.

Make sure your chimney and stove are correctly installed. A poorly installed wood stove could cause a fire to the chimney, which could release harmful gases into your home. It is also crucial to have the chimney swept and checked regularly. Make sure the chimney flue doesn't leak, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Store your wood in a shed or under a tarp. This will help the wood dry and get into the season quicker. It is also recommended 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 an inflammable surface like a tiled floor.

If you have children who are young ensure that you keep them away from the stove. They might play with the ash that is hot or touch the flame which could be dangerous. You should also keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. Consider installing a heat shield to shield walls and surfaces from damage. It is also advisable to encourage your family to participate in fire drills at home. This can help you escape your home in the situation of an emergency. Check out our article about fire escape routes to ensure your home safe.