Ten Steps to maximum woodburning efficiency
Wood smoke is caused by the incomplete combustion of wood. This can pollute the air and contribute to higher heating costs - neither of which we want!. The good news is that the solution for cutting down on pollution and waste also reduces the costs of burning wood through safety and efficiency.
1. Burn seasoned wood. Green wood can be up to 50% moisture, and this has to be burned off before heat can be released. Because it is drier, seasoned wood burns hotter and more efficiently and helps decrease the amount of creosote buildup in your stovepipe into the bargain.
2. Make your fires small and hot. Small hot fires burn volatile gases more quickly and produce fewer safety hazards and air quality problems. Okay, so smaller, hotter fires mean more frequent loading and tending the stove...but it's worth it..
3. A stack thermometer installed on the stove flue will help you to monitor the temperature of the gases as they leave the stove. Optimum range for most efficiency and least pollution: about 300 to 400 F.
4. Remove excess ashes. If you don't you risk clogged air-intake vents. Removing excess ashes also cuts down on the amount of oxygen needed for woodburning.
5. Reduce leakage in your house. Insulation, weather stripping, storm windows and caulking, can all reduce the amount of wood required to heat your home, which in turn helps decrease the amount of air pollution.
6. Check your "smokestack." Burn your stove at different rates, then go outside and check the emissions. If there's no smoke then your wood burning stove is burning cleanly and effectively.
7. Inspect your stove and chimney . This should be done at least once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your wood burning stove. See if it's for warping, check the baffle to make sure there are no gaps, and look out for creosote. Your dealer can make regular inspections, and so can a chimney sweep.
8. Choose the proper size stove. If your wood burning stove is too big it will need to be damped down, which increases creosote production. The insulation in your home is a factor as well. To be sure you select the right-size stove make sure you get advice from a specialist.
9. Buy the most efficient design you can afford. It'll pay for itself in the long run. Research has made great strides in designing fireboxes, drafts, catalytic combustors and other devices that improve combustion and reduce smoke.
10. Burn only the fuel your stove was designed for. Coal shouldn't be burnt in a wood stove unless your stove was designed to handle both wood and coal. And don't burn rubbish either! You risk starting a chimney fire, and emitting harmful gases (plastics and wood burners don't mix), and can ruin your catalytic combustor. Basically, driftwood, treated wood, artificial logs, or anything containing plastics, lead, zinc or sulphur will damage your catalytic combustor.