A wood stove with an outside air intake is a valuable heating appliance designed to enhance both efficiency and safety. In this article, we’ll explore the technical details of this feature and why it’s beneficial for wood stove owners.
What is an Outside Air Intake?
An outside air intake, often called a direct air supply or external air kit, is a feature integrated into modern wood stoves. It allows the stove to draw combustion air from the outside of the house, rather than using indoor air. This innovation offers several advantages:
1. Improved Efficiency
When a wood stove uses indoor air for combustion, it can create negative pressure inside the house. This can lead to drafts and cold spots, as the stove draws in cold outside air to replace what’s lost. With an outside air intake, the stove gets a dedicated source of combustion air, ensuring that the indoor air remains unaffected. This contributes to better combustion and overall heating efficiency.
2. Enhanced Safety
By using outside air, the wood stove reduces the risk of backdrafts and spillage of combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, into the living space. This feature provides an added layer of safety, especially in well-insulated and airtight homes.
3. Environmental Benefits
Using outside air for combustion can also be more environmentally friendly. It minimizes the potential for drawing in dust, allergens, and other indoor pollutants into the stove, which can lead to improved indoor air quality.
Technical Details
Installation
To have a wood stove with an outside air intake, you’ll need to install it correctly. Here’s a basic overview of the process:
External Air Kit: You’ll require an external air kit, which typically includes a pipe and an adapter. The pipe connects to the outside of your home, and the adapter connects to the stove.
Stove Connection: The adapter is connected to the stove in a location specified by the manufacturer. This connection ensures that the stove draws air from the external pipe.
Exterior Vent: The pipe runs from the stove to an exterior vent, which should be positioned to allow for optimal air intake.
Air Control: Most wood stoves with outside air intakes have an air control lever or knob that allows you to choose between drawing air from the interior or exterior. When using the outside air intake, you will typically close the interior air intake.
Maintenance
Maintenance for a wood stove with an outside air intake is similar to that of a standard wood stove. Regular cleaning, chimney inspections, and ash removal are necessary. Additionally, you should periodically check the external air pipe and vent to ensure they are clear of obstructions.
Conclusion
A wood stove with an outside air intake is a technically advanced heating solution that offers improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and environmental benefits. By drawing combustion air from the exterior, it prevents negative pressure inside your home and reduces the risk of backdrafts. When considering a wood stove for your home, especially in well-sealed, energy-efficient houses, opting for one with an outside air intake is a wise choice to maximize performance and safety.