Wood stoves are becoming a more popular choice as a energy efficient way to heat homes. According to SF Gate, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that over 12 million American households use wood-burning stoves as a heating source. All Seasons Chimney has spent over 25 years maintaining and installing wood stoves in the lower Hudson Valley area, and we know how much warmth and coziness these appliances can provide. We are often asked about the pros and cons of wood stoves, and we would like to tell you more about how these stoves function.
How efficient are wood stoves?
If you have not used a wood stove in the last 30 years, you may be wondering why these stoves are so popular. The wood stoves of the past produced a whole lot of smoke, but not a lot of heat. After 1990, wood stoves were manufactured with new technology that greatly the energy efficiency of these heating appliance. The EPA began certifying models of wood stoves that provided more heat with less wood and produced fewer polluting emissions.
How exactly do wood stoves work?
EPA-certified wood stoves operate in one of two different ways: a secondary combustion process or a catalytic combustor. In a stove that uses secondary combustion, air is introduced into the hottest part of the firebox through a second intake. More heat is produced because combustion gases burn off inside the firebox rather than escaping out of the chimney. If a wood stove has a catalytic combustor, smoke passes through it when it exits the firebox, and this makes the gases burn at a lower temperature, which transforms those gases into additional heat instead of extra pollution.
How do wood stoves provide heat to the home?
Wood stoves use radiant heat through the walls and the top of the stove to warm the room, and this heat can be carried throughout your home via the natural airflow. Some models of stoves are equipped with fans that help to circulate the heated air. All Seasons Chimney can help you find the right size and model of wood stove for the amount of heat you need for your home.
Understanding how your wood stove work can help you maintain and operate it properly so that it functions safely and efficiently. All Seasons Chimney is here for all of your wood stove maintenance and installation needs. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your wood stove.
