How do catalytic wood stoves work?
A catalytic wood stove uses a catalytic combustor to re-burn the gasses and particulates that are released from the burning wood. These gasses pass through the catalytic combustor, which operates at very high temperatures, and combust – providing increased efficiency, fewer emissions, and longer burn times.
When should I engage my catalytic converter on a wood stove?
Only engage the catalyst when the stove burns hot, but don’t overheat the appliance. Quickly begin with a hot fire, which will put the catalyst to work faster; once it is lit, the catalyst stays lit even when the fire burns at a much lower temperature. Minimize door openings for hours of continuous burning.
What does a catalytic converter do on a woodstove?
The catalytic combustor in your stove is designed to clean the smoke that leaves your chimney, reduce cre o s o t e , and enable you to get more heat from each piece of wood. Most of the chemical compounds in wood smoke are com- bustible.
Can I remove catalyst from wood stove?
Removing your catalyst risks chimney fires that can damage property and people. Voiding Manufacturers’ Warranties: Catalytic stoves are designed to operate at high temperatures with the catalyst engaged. If you remove the catalyst, you have an uncontrolled fire that may damage your stove, or render it inoperable.
How do you start a fire in a catalytic wood stove?
Crumple five or six pieces of newspaper and place them on top of the grate inside your stove. Add six or seven pieces of dry, well seasoned kindling on top of the newspaper. The kindling should be about finger size in diameter.
How do I know if my catalytic combustor is bad?
Signs of combustor problems include increased smoke from the chimney, creosote accumulation, sluggish performance, smoking, and high fuel consumption. Proper maintenance will not only increase the effectiveness of the combustor, but will alert you to problems before they become severe enough to require replacement.
Do catalytic wood stoves produce less creosote?
Catalytic Pros and Cons This added efficiency is due to the fact that the catalyst itself grows so hot during operation that you can enjoy heat with little or no flame. This reduces the amount of wood needed, increases burn time and reduces creosote buildup.
What is the difference between a catalytic and non catalytic wood stove?
What Are Catalytic and Non-Catalytic Stoves? A catalytic stove is designed to burn off even more of the smoke and ash before venting to the outside. Use the button at the left for more information on catalytic stoves. A non-catalytic stove does not use a catalytic combuster to ignite the smoke and produce more heat.