External air supply wood burning stoves, often referred to as direct air intake or outside air intake stoves, are a specialized type of wood stove designed to improve heating efficiency and air quality by drawing combustion air directly from the outside rather than relying on indoor air. In this article, we’ll delve into the technical details of these stoves, their benefits, and how they work.
Understanding the Basics
What Is an External Air Supply Stove?
An external air supply wood burning stove is equipped with an additional air inlet that connects to the outdoors, separate from the room where the stove is located. This feature allows the stove to draw combustion air from the outside, rather than using indoor air, for the combustion process.
Key Components
The primary components of an external air supply wood burning stove include:
Air Inlet Pipe: This is a pipe or duct that connects to the stove and extends outside the building. It is designed to bring fresh outdoor air directly to the stove’s combustion chamber.
Combustion Chamber: The combustion chamber is where wood is burned to produce heat. It is designed to accommodate the external air inlet and ensure proper combustion.
Flue or Chimney: The stove is connected to a flue or chimney to exhaust combustion gases, as in traditional wood stoves.
How External Air Supply Stoves Work
The operation of these stoves is straightforward:
Fresh Air Supply: The external air supply is connected to the stove’s combustion chamber via the air inlet pipe. This pipe brings in outdoor air for the combustion process.
Combustion: Inside the combustion chamber, the wood is ignited and burned. The oxygen needed for combustion is supplied through the external air inlet, ensuring that no indoor air is used for this purpose.
Heat Production: The burning wood produces heat, which is radiated into the room, providing warmth and comfort.
Exhaust: Combustion gases are directed through the flue or chimney and expelled outside, as in traditional wood stoves.
Benefits and Advantages
External air supply wood burning stoves offer several technical and practical advantages:
Improved Efficiency: By using outdoor air for combustion, these stoves prevent the stove from competing with other appliances for indoor air. This can lead to improved combustion efficiency.
Enhanced Air Quality: Drawing combustion air from the outside reduces the potential for indoor air pollution and helps maintain indoor air quality.
Minimized Draft Issues: Stoves with external air supplies are less likely to create negative pressure in the room, reducing the potential for backdraft and smoke spillage.
Reduced Energy Loss: Traditional stoves that use indoor air may inadvertently cool the room they are in. External air supply stoves avoid this issue, preventing energy loss.
Safety: By drawing outdoor air, these stoves provide an added layer of safety, as they minimize the risk of oxygen depletion in the room.
Installation and Considerations
To make the most of an external air supply wood burning stove, consider the following key considerations during installation:
Proper Air Inlet Placement: Ensure that the external air inlet is positioned correctly to minimize drafts and efficiently supply combustion air.
Sealing and Insulation: Properly seal and insulate the area around the air inlet to prevent air leakage and heat loss.
Flue or Chimney Maintenance: Ensure that the flue or chimney is functioning optimally to safely exhaust combustion gases.
Consultation: It’s often a good idea to consult with a professional stove installer to ensure proper installation and adherence to local building codes and regulations.
In conclusion, external air supply wood burning stoves offer a technical solution to enhance heating efficiency and indoor air quality. By understanding their components and the benefits they provide, you can make an informed decision when selecting a wood stove for your home.