Wood burning stoves have long been appreciated for their efficiency and simplicity. The "two levers" design is a classic feature that enhances control and performance. In this article, we’ll delve into the technical aspects of wood burning stoves with two levers, providing a clear and concise guide for both technical enthusiasts and those new to wood burning.
Two Levers: The Basics
Wood burning stoves equipped with two levers typically consist of two primary control components:
Primary Air Control Lever: The first lever is responsible for regulating the primary air supply. This lever determines the amount of air entering the combustion chamber, affecting the intensity of the fire. Pushing the lever in increases the air supply, while pulling it out decreases it. A well-adjusted primary air control is essential for lighting the fire and maintaining a steady burn.
Secondary Air Control Lever: The second lever controls the secondary air supply. This air is introduced higher in the combustion chamber, promoting the complete combustion of gases and particulates. Similar to the primary air lever, pushing the secondary air lever in increases air supply, while pulling it out decreases it. The secondary air control plays a key role in enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Key Functions of the Two Levers
Understanding the functions of these two levers is essential for effectively operating a wood burning stove:
Start-up Phase: During the initial lighting of the stove, you’ll want to open the primary air control fully. This provides an ample supply of oxygen to ignite the fire. Keep the secondary air control mostly closed during this phase.
Steady Burn: Once the fire is established and the stove is operating steadily, you can adjust both levers to find the right balance. The primary air lever can be partially closed to moderate the intensity of the flames, while the secondary air lever should be adjusted to ensure clean and efficient combustion.
High Burn Rates: When you need more heat, open the primary air lever wider to increase the intensity of the fire. The secondary air lever should remain partially open to maintain efficiency.
Low Burn Rates: For a slower, longer burn, partially close the primary air lever to reduce the intensity of the fire. Adjust the secondary air lever to maintain a clean and efficient burn.
Efficiency and Emissions
The design of wood burning stoves with two levers is aimed at achieving high efficiency and low emissions. Here’s how they contribute to these goals:
Efficiency: By regulating the primary and secondary air supplies separately, these stoves can optimize combustion. This means more of the heat generated by burning wood is transferred to your living space, increasing the stove’s efficiency.
Emissions: Efficient combustion leads to fewer emissions, which is good for both the environment and your chimney. A clean-burning stove reduces the buildup of creosote in the flue and minimizes air pollutants.
Safety and Maintenance
Operating a wood burning stove with two levers is generally safe, but some precautions are essential:
Use Quality Fuel: Burn only dry, seasoned wood to avoid excessive creosote buildup.
Regular Cleaning: Keep the stove and flue clean to prevent blockages and maintain efficient airflow.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, as wood burning stoves produce this gas when not burning efficiently.
In conclusion, wood burning stoves with two levers offer precise control over combustion, enhancing both efficiency and emissions. Mastering the use of these levers is key to getting the most out of your stove while keeping your home safe and cozy. With a basic understanding of how these levers work, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance that wood stoves provide while minimizing their environmental impact.