This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Wood Burning Stove

How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are a beautiful addition to any home. However it is important to use them only with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves without secondary combustion admitted air over and below the fuel - this resulted in energy loss, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

Modern wood stoves employ an advanced combustion technique that separates the air supply into two phases. This lets them increase the efficiency of their heating systems while also producing less emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The efficiency of combustion in your Contemporary Wood Burning Stoves (Http://Irken.Co.Kr/Bbs/Board.Php?Bo_Table=Free&Wr_Id=2733855) stove is a measurement of the speed at which your wood is converted into heat. It is distinct from heating transfer efficiency, which is the amount of heat that is transferred from your stove into a room. A wood burning stove that has high efficiency in combustion and heating transfer will use less fuel and produce less waste, such as ash, carbon monoxide, and steam.

Modern wood stoves have a high efficiency in combustion, due to their modern design. They can maximize the log burning stoves by using less wood. They also tend to have low emissions and are especially effective when using EPA certified stoves that require a specific catalytic combustor that cleans exhaust gases when they leave the stove. These cleaner stoves are a great option for homeowners who wish to lessen their impact on the environment while still enjoying the warmth of wood stoves.

A proper operation and maintenance routine will improve the efficiency of your stove. The most important thing is to ensure that the combustion process is controlled, which can be achieved by maintaining a proper fire in the stove with regular additions of small pieces of wood at regular intervals. This will prevent the build-up of flammable Creosote in the chimney, which could make the stove less efficient.

Another important factor in the efficiency of a wood stove is using properly dried, seasoned firewood that has less than 20%. Dry and seasoned firewood will not only produce more heat from the same fuel but will also create less air pollution and 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. Most modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion or catalytic combustor in order to minimize pollution and meet EPA guidelines. To find a wood stove that meets the EPA emission standards, look for one that is adorned with an EPA certification sticker and a smoke emission level below 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic woodstoves utilize a ceramic honeycomb combustor that is coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platin. The combustor operates in the same way as your catalyst in your car to clean your exhaust. When smoke passes through the combustor at high temperatures the noble metals react with the particulates and chemical compounds in the smoke to break them down into harmless end products like carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to have lower emissions and burn more efficiently than non-catalytic models, without losing the heat output or efficiency. The combustor performs best when the flue gas temperature is at or above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The combustor will not work properly if the flame is burnt in a low flame.

Burning foreign materials, such as paper logs, painted or treated wood, can cause damage to the combustor. The burning of these materials can cause "masking", which is a covering of the combustor's cells by an ingredient, which prevents it from performing properly. Masking can occur due to closing the bypass damper too fast or refueling with wet wood. If the combustor cells have not been regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar build up, plugging could occur, which can cause smoke spillage.

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

The combustor is equipped with an bypass damper that is opened to start a fire and closed to reload the stove. The bypass damper should be checked for the "operate catalyst" indicator that indicates if your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor will be decreased if you close the bypass damper prematurely. Closing the bypass too soon could lower the temperature of the combustor's intake and cause damage. If you're not sure how to operate the bypass damper, consult the instruction manual for your stove or contact our customer service department for assistance.

Control of Airflow

The air flow controls on your wood stove are crucial in ensuring that your fire burns properly and safely. The primary secondary, tertiary and primary air systems are all in place to allow your fire to burn effectively. Each of these systems plays a distinct function in the process of combustion.

The main air control situated either below or within your stove's door controls the amount of air that is allowed to enter the firebox. More air means a quicker-burning fire, but it also increases the risk of creosote and chimney smokiness buildup. When you light your wood stove, the main air control should ideally be open wide and for a short period of time.

When your fire has built up enough heat, the main air control can be closed down slowly until you're satisfied with the amount of heat being generated. The stove or chimney should not emit any smoke as this could indicate inefficient combustion.

Secondary airflow controls supply oxygen into the top of your stove, often in the form of air jets placed over your fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your fire. Your fire will be burning too fast and create excessive quantities of smoke if it is not controlled.

Tertiary airflow is a final stage of the airflow system of your stove and is carried into the updraft area or chimney. This creates a strong draft within the flue, which allows your fire to reach its maximum efficiency.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was specifically designed and optimized for burning wood for fire. Any other combustible will not burn properly in your wood stove and can result in high levels of emissions, and even chimney fires. Softwood is also a good choice 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 are a great alternative to electricity, particularly in areas that are prone to frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if utilized incorrectly. They can result in harmful chemical substances that can harm your health. They can also cause a fire hazard and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can reduce these dangers by taking basic safety precautions.

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

Make sure that your chimney and stove are properly installed. Poorly installed wood stoves can cause a fire in the chimney, which could release harmful gases into your home. It is also crucial to sweep the chimney and inspected on a regular basis. Verify that the chimney flue doesn't leak, which could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea to store your wood in a shed or a tarp. This will allow the wood to get seasoned and dry more quickly. To minimize the risk of fire, you should keep the wood fire stove away from other sources of heat. It's also a good idea to put your stove on a non-flammable surface, such as a tile floor.

If you have children who are young ensure that you supervise them around the stove. They may try to play with the hot ash or touch the fire which can be hazardous. Additionally, you should keep all flammable items at least three feet from the stove. It is also recommended to install a heat shield to protect walls and other surfaces from damage. You should also encourage your family to practice fire drills at home. This will help you escape your home in the event of an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home secure, check out our article on escape routes for fire in the event of a home fire.