How a Wood Burning Stove Works
Wood burning stoves are stunning additions to any home. However it is important to use them only with properly seasoned logs.
Older stoves that did not have secondary combustion admitted air between and above the fuel. This resulted in the loss of energy, chimney tarring, and atmospheric pollution.
Modern wood stoves use a superior combustion principle that separates 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 how effectively your wood is converted into heat. The efficiency of the heating transfer is the amount that heat is transferred from the stove to a room. A wood-burning stove with high combustion and heating transfer efficiencies will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, including carbon monoxide, ash, and steam.
Modern wood stoves have a high combustion efficiency, thanks to their modern design. They maximize the amount of heat and use less wood. They also tend to emit very little emissions, especially EPA-certified stoves that require a catalytic combustion combustor to purify exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves make a great choice for homeowners who want to minimize their impact on the environment, while still enjoying the warmth and comfort of a wood burning stove.
Proper operation and maintenance will increase the efficiency of your stove. The most important aspect is controlling the process of combustion. This can be achieved by adding small wood burning stove (navigate to this site) pieces of wood frequently and ensuring a constant flame in the stove. This will stop the accumulation of flammable Creosote in the chimney, which could make the stove less efficient.
Another crucial aspect in the effectiveness of wood stoves is to use properly dried wood that is seasoned and has a moisture content below 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same fuel, but it will also produce fewer air pollution emissions and produce less smoke.
The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that restrict the amount of smoke and other pollutants that a new stove can emit within an hour. To comply with the EPA guidelines, Small Wood Burning Stove most modern wood stoves use secondary combustion or a catalytic combustor to regulate combustion and limit the amount of pollution they emit. If you’re looking to purchase a wood burning stove that is in compliance with EPA emission standards, then look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It must also have a smoke emission rate below 4 grams per hr.
Catalytic Combustion
Catalytic wood woodburning stoves use a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platinum. The combustor works much the same way as your catalyst in your car to clean your exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react with chemicals and particulates in the smoke breaking them into harmless products such as carbon dioxide and water.
This enables the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn much more efficiently than non-catalytic models, without losing the amount of heat produced or efficiency. The combustor performs best when the temperature of the flue gas is at or above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The combustor cannot function properly if the fire is ignited in a low flame.
The combustor could be damaged by burning foreign materials such as trash, paper logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these materials could result in «masking» which blankets the cells of the combustor with a substance that stops it from functioning in the way it was intended. Masking can occur due to closing the bypass damper too soon or by refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells aren’t regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar, plugging may occur which causes smoke to leak out.
Properly operated and positioned the combustor can provide years of efficient performance. It will require minimal maintenance other than cleaning the soot off its surface after a prolonged burn and then cleaning it with a soft, dry brush.
The combustor is equipped with a bypass damper that is open to begin the fire and closed when you’re ready for reloading your stove. Check the bypass for the «operate catalyst» indicator, which shows the combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor Small Wood Burning Stove will be reduced if you open the bypass damper too early. If you close the bypass too quickly, it could lower the temperature of the combustor’s outlet and cause damage to it. If you’re unsure how to operate the bypass damper, refer to the instruction manual for your stove or contact our customer service department for assistance.
Airflow Controls
Air flow controls are essential 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 one plays a different role in the combustion process.
The main air control situated either below or within the door of your stove, controls the quantity of air allowed into the firebox. More air will ignite the fire more quickly but it could also increase the chance of smoke and creosote. Ideally, the air control should be open for a brief period prior to lighting your wood electric stove heaters.
After your fire has accumulated enough heat, the primary air control can be closed down slowly until you’re satisfied with the amount of heat generated. It is important to ensure that no smoke is emitted from the chimney or stove as this could indicate poor combustion.
Secondary airflow controls are utilized to supply oxygen to the top of your stove, typically as air jets placed above your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your fire. Without it your fire will be burning too quickly and create excessive amounts of smoke.
The secondary airflow, the final stage in the airflow systems of your stove, is fed into the updraft or chimney. This creates a strong draft within the flue and allows your stove to operate at its maximum efficiency.
It is important to keep in mind that the wood electric stove fire you have was designed and optimized for burning firewood only. Any other combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and can result in high levels emissions and potentially chimney fires. Softwood is also acceptable, but seasoned hardwood has to be dried for at least 6 months. Avoid using combustibles that are made of cardboard and paper, since these can cause toxic fumes as well as buildups of ash or creosote within your stove. It is also a good idea to avoid placing any firewood or other combustibles on the top of your fire, as this can cause them to explode.
Safety
Wood burning stoves are a great alternative to electricity, particularly if your area is prone to frequent power outages. However, they can also be risky if they are used in a way that is not properly. They can result in harmful chemical substances that can cause harm to your health. They also can cause fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by following some simple safety precautions.
Make sure to use only dry, clean firewood for your wood-burning stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter fluid to start or revive fires. Never burn treated or painted wood. Keep the flue open so that you can let plenty of oxygen to enter. Add wood in small wood stove quantities and make sure you don’t let the fire smolder. Never use an indoor fireplace if you’re in a smoke control zone.
Make sure your chimney and stove have been installed correctly. A poorly constructed wood stove can cause an explosion in the chimney that could release toxic gasses into your home. It is also essential to sweep the chimney and inspected regularly. Check that the chimney flue does not leak, which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Place your wood in a shed or under a tarp. This will help the wood to dry out and get into the season quicker. It is also recommended to keep the firewood from other sources of heat to decrease the risk of fire. It is also recommended to place your stove on a non-flammable surface, such as a tiled floor.
You must be sure to supervise your children around the stove if you have young children. They may try to touch the fire or play with the ash that is hot, which can be hazardous. In addition, it is recommended to keep all flammable objects at least three feet away from the stove. It is also recommended to install a heat shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. You should also encourage your family members to practice fire drills at home. This will make it easier to get out of your home in an emergency. For more information on how to keep your home secure read our article on escape routes to a fire in the event of a home fire.