What Is Wood Burning Stove And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

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

Older stoves that did not utilize secondary combustion allowed air to get into the chimney and burn above and below the fuel leading to the loss of energy and polluting.

Modern wood stoves utilize a superior combustion principle that divides air supply into two phases. This results in higher heating efficiency with lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of the combustion of the wood stove is a measure of how well your wood is turned into heat. It is distinct from the efficiency of heating transfer, which is the quantity of heat that flows from your stove into a room. A wood-burning stove with high combustion and heating transfer efficiencies will make use of less multi fuel stove and generate less waste, including carbon monoxide, ash and steam.

Modern wood stoves generally have high efficiency in combustion, as they have sophisticated design features that enable them to maximize the burn and require less wood. They also tend to have low emissions particularly with EPA certified stoves that require a specific catalytic combustor that cleans exhaust gases when they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are a great choice for homeowners seeking to lessen their impact on the environment, while enjoying the warmth and convenience of a wood burning stove.

Proper operation and maintenance can improve the efficiency of your stove. The most important factor is to control the combustion process. This is accomplished by adding small pieces of wood on a regular basis and ensuring a constant burning stove. This will help prevent the accumulation of flammable Creosote inside the chimney which can make the stove less efficient.

Another important factor in the effectiveness of wood stoves is to use properly dried, seasoned firewood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%. Dry, seasoned wood will not only offer more heat for the same fuel however, it will create less air pollution and generate less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines to limit the amount smoke and other pollutants a new stove may emit in an hour. To comply with the EPA guidelines, the majority of modern wood stoves use a secondary combustion process or a catalytic combustor to manage combustion and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they release. If you're looking to purchase a wood burning stove that is in compliance with EPA emission standards, 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 stoves make use of honeycombed combustor made of ceramic coated with noble metals like platinum or palladium. The combustor functions similarly to the catalyst in your car that cleans its exhaust. The noble metals in the combustor react with the chemicals and particulates in the smoke and break them into harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This enables the stove to produce lower emissions and burn much more efficiently than other models without sacrificing heat output or efficiency. The combustor performs its best when the gas temperature in the flue is at least 1,000degF or higher. The combustor won't perform as efficiently if the fire is burnt in a low flame.

Burning foreign materials, like paper logs, treated or painted wood, may damage the combustor. The burning of these materials can result in "masking" that protects the cells of the combustor with some substance, preventing it from working effectively. Masking can be caused by closing the bypass damper too quickly or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar build up, plugging could occur, causing smoke spillage.

Properly operated and positioned the combustor will operate to give years of reliable performance. It requires minimal maintenance other than getting rid of the soot off its surface after a prolonged burn and dusting it regularly with a soft dry bristled brush.

The combustor has an bypass damper that can be opened to start the fire and closed when you're ready to reload your stove. Check the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which will indicate when your combustor operates within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor will be reduced if you open the bypass damper prematurely. Closing the bypass damper too soon can reduce the temperature of the inlet to the combustor, and could cause damage to it. If you're unsure how to operate the bypass damper, consult the manual of your stove's instructions or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Airflow Controls

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

The main air control situated either below or within your stove's door controls the quantity of air allowed into the firebox. More air will ignite the fire faster but it could also increase the chance of creosote and chimney smoke. Ideally, the primary air control should be opened wide for a brief period prior to lighting your wood stove.

When you have attained the desired level of heat, you can slowly close the air control that is primary until the desired heat is attained. The chimney or stove should not emit any smoke since this indicates inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to supply oxygen to the stove's top, usually in the form air jets that are placed over your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling your flame. Your fire could burn too quickly and produce large amounts smoke without it.

The secondary airflow, the final step in the airflow system of your stove, is fed into the chimney or updraft. This makes a strong draft in the flue, allowing your stove to function optimally.

It is important to note that your wood stove was built and optimized to burn wood for fire only. Any other type of burning combustible won't burn as well in your wood stove and could result in high levels of emissions and potentially chimney fires. The best kind of combustible to use is seasoned hardwood that has been dried for at least six months, although softwood is equally effective. Avoid using combustibles made from paper and cardboard, as these can cause toxic fumes and the build-up of creosote or ash inside your stove. It is also a good idea to avoid placing any logs or other combustibles on top of your fire, as this can cause the fire to explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can provide a cost-effective alternative heat source, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages. They can be dangerous if employed in a wrong manner. They can release harmful chemicals that can affect your health. They can also cause a fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by following some basic safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry wood for your stove. Never make use of gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid to ignite or ignite fires. Never burn treated wood or painted wood, or wet wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen into. Always add wood in small pieces and don't let the fire burn out. If you live in a smoke-control zone don't set up an indoor fire.

Make sure your chimney and stove are installed correctly. A poorly installed wood stove could cause a fire to the chimney, which can release toxic gasses into your home. It is also important to have the chimney swept and checked regularly. Make sure the chimney flue is not able to leak, as this can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea to store your wood in a shed or tarp. This will allow the wood dry and get into the season quicker. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the wood away from other heat sources. It is recommended to set your stove on a non-flammable surface like tiles.

If you have children who are young, be sure to be sure to supervise them around the stove. They might play with the ash hot or even touch the fire which can be hazardous. You should also keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. It is also recommended to install a heat shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. It's also a good idea for your family to practice home fire drills. This will make it easier to get out of your home in an emergency. For more information on how to keep your home safe read our article on escape routes to a fire in case of a house fire.