8 Tips To Increase Your Wood Burning Stove Game

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

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

Older stoves that did not have secondary combustion allowed air to pass through below and above the fuel, resulting in energy loss as well as chimney tarring and air pollution.

Modern wood stoves employ superior combustion methods that splits the air supply into two phases. This allows them to achieve higher heating efficiencies with lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of combustion in a wood stove is an indication of how well your wood is transformed into heat. The efficiency of heating transfer is the degree to which heat is transferred from your stove to a room. A wood burning multifuel stove with high efficiency in combustion and heating transfer will make use of less fuel and generate less waste, like carbon monoxide, ash, and steam.

Modern wood stoves generally have high combustion efficiencies because they feature sophisticated design features that allow them to maximize the burning and use less wood. They also have low emissions and are especially effective with EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor to clean exhaust gases as they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are an excellent choice for those seeking to lessen their impact on the environment, while enjoying the warmth and the comfort of a wood-burning stove.

Increasing 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 is accomplished by maintaining a proper flame in the stove through frequent additions of small pieces of wood regularly. This will prevent the buildup of flammable creosote inside the chimney, which could cause the stove to become less efficient.

A wood stove's efficiency is also affected by the use of properly dried and seasoned wood with a moisture content under 20%. Dry and seasoned wood will not only provide more heat for the same fuel however, it will emit less air pollution and generate less smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidelines to limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants that a new stove may emit within an hour. The majority of modern wood burning stove fan stoves depend on a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor, to reduce pollution and to meet EPA guidelines. To find a wood stove that meets the EPA emission standards, choose one that has an EPA certification sticker and has a smoke emission rate of less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves utilize a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals like palladium or platinum. The combustor operates in similar to what your catalyst in your car works to clean the exhaust. When smoke passes through the combustor, at high temperatures, the noble metals react with particulates and chemicals in the smoke, breaking them down into harmless end products like water and carbon dioxide.

This allows the stove to achieve lower emissions and burn much more efficiently than other models without losing the heat output or efficiency. The combustor performs its best when the temperature of the gas in the flue is 1,000degF or more. The combustor cannot function properly if the fire is burnt in a low-flame.

The combustor can be damaged by burning foreign substances like trash, paper logs, treated or painted wood. The burning of these materials may cause "masking" which is a covering of the combustor's cells by some substance, preventing it from performing correctly. The cause of this is closing the bypass damper too quickly or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells have not been cleaned regularly of creosote, fly-ash and tar, a plugging could occur, which can cause smoke to spill out.

If properly operated and positioned, the combustor will provide years of reliable performance. It will require very little maintenance, other than getting rid of the soot on its surface after a long burn and then dusting it with a dry, soft bristled brush.

The combustor has a bypass damper which is opened to ignite the fire and closed when you're ready for reloading your stove. Inspect the bypass for the "operate catalyst" indicator, which indicates when your combustor operates within its ideal temperature range. Doing this too quickly will reduce the operating range of the combustor. If you close the bypass too quickly, it could reduce the temperature of the combustor's inlet 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

The controls for air flow in your wood multi burner stove are essential to ensure that the fire burns safely and properly. The primary secondary, tertiary and primary air systems cooperate to enable your fire to burn effectively. Each plays a distinct part in the combustion process.

The main air control situated either below or within your stove's door controls the amount of air allowed into the firebox. More air will ignite the fire more quickly but it could increase the possibility of creosote and wood burning stove small chimney smoke. When you light your wood stove, the main air control should be opened wide and for a short time.

When your fire has built up enough heat, the main air control can be shut down gradually until you are satisfied with the amount of heat produced. It is essential to ensure that there isn't any smoke is emitted from the chimney or stove since it is a sign of inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls are utilized to feed oxygen into the stove's top, usually in the form air jets that are placed over your fire. This is the most crucial aspect of controlling the flame. Without it, your fire will burn too quickly and create large quantities of smoke.

Tertiary airflow is the final stage of the airflow system of your stove and is fed into the updraft section or chimney. This helps to create a strong draft within the flue, allowing your fire to reach its maximum efficiency.

It is important to note that your wood stove was built and optimized to burn firewood only. Any other type of combustion multi fuel stove will not be able to burn in your wood stove, and may cause high levels of emissions and potentially chimney fires. The best kind of combustible to use is wood that has been dried for at minimum six months, but softwood can be used as well. Avoid using combustibles made from cardboard and paper, since they can create toxic fumes and the build-up of creosote or ash inside your stove. It is important to avoid placing any firewood or other combustibles on the top of your stove because this could cause them to explode.

Safety

Wood-burning stoves are a cost-effective alternative heat source particularly if you reside in a region with frequent power outages. They can be dangerous when employed in a wrong manner. They can create harmful chemical substances that could be harmful to your health. They can also cause a fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. You can avoid these dangers by taking a few simple precautions.

Use only dry, clean firewood for your stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper or Wood burning stove small other flammable materials to ignite or rekindle a flame. Never burn treated wood or painted wood, or wet wood. Keep the flue open to allow plenty of oxygen to enter. Always add wood in small amounts and do not let the fire smolder. Do not use a fireplace indoors when you're in a smoke control zone.

Make sure your stove and chimney have been properly installed. Wood stoves that are not properly installed could cause a fire to the chimney that could release toxic gasses into your home. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the chimney is also essential. Verify that the chimney flue is not able to leak, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea store your wood in a shed or Tarp. This can allow the wood burning stove small [intercs.co.kr] to get seasoned and dry faster. To decrease the chance of fire, you should keep the wood away from other sources of heat. You should also put your stove on an inflammable surface like a tiled floor.

You should be sure to supervise your children around the stove if you have any young ones. They may try to touch the flame or play with the hot ash which can be dangerous. 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's also an excellent idea to have your family practice fire drills at home. This will allow you to get out of your home in an emergency. Read our article on fire escape routes to ensure your home safe.