It's The Evolution Of Wood Burning Stove

Wood Burning Stoves Near Me

Wood stoves are a non-carbon renewable heat source that can help you save money on your energy bills. They also assist in active woodland management, which benefits wildlife.

However, if not installed and maintained properly they can produce carbon monoxide that poses health risks to the family. To avoid this, look for an EPA-certified wood stove that has modern technology to ensure safety.

Catalytic Stoves

A catalytic fireplace comes with a catalyst that looks like a honeycomb. It converts wood smoke into carbon dioxide. This is a great choice for those who want to cut down on the air pollution in their homes while saving money. They use less fuel, burn hotter, and produce less creosote. They are more expensive to operate than non catalytic models and require regular maintenance of the combustion chamber.

Wood Stoves certified by the EPA

The EPA requires that wood stoves be constructed according to certain guidelines that limit their emissions. According to these guidelines a catalytic stove must not emit more than 7.5 grams per hour. This is in contrast to 4.1 grams/hour for an uncatalytic stove. It's important to remember that lower emissions ratings do not necessarily translate into greater heating efficiency.

Sizing and Selection

It is crucial to ensure that your wood stove is properly sized for the home where it will be installed. A stove that is not properly sized will not work as intended and may even overheat. A properly-sized stove increases the amount of heat produced and lowers emissions. The brochure: Buying a EPA-Certified wood stove (PDF 530K) is a great way to measure and choose the best wood stove.

Non-Catalytical and Catalytic stoves

The first wood burning stoves near me stove that was made was an uncatalytic stove. They are also referred to as traditional wood burning stoves or open-fire stoves. The non-catalytic stove has the advantage that it doesn't require another combustion to lower emissions. However, a significant amount of energy that is wasted is lost in the form of smoke. The smoke from non-catalytic stoves is contaminated with a toxic substance known as creosote. The catalytic wood heater has reduced the risk of these issues. The catalytic stove utilizes a catalyst that burns the gases in the smoke to remove the toxic creosote.

While the catalytic wood stove was created as a means to reduce the emission of toxic gases, it is not as effective as the secondary burn system used in the non-catalytic stove. The catalyst is unable to completely burn the byproducts from burning wood and therefore still produces some unhealthy emissions. The honeycomb structure can also break down with time. This could result in a decrease in performance and a need for replacement.

Maintaining the Combustion Chamber Clean

A properly functioning catalytic combustor will have a grayish-white appearance. It should be free of soot, ash, or any other material that can clog the catalytic surfaces and reduce their surface area. The combustor should also not be subject to flame impingement. This can occur when a rapid, strong draft draws flames directly into a catalytic convertor. This could also occur if you open the firebox or ash pan doors open.

It is important to inspect the catalytic combustion chamber on a regular basis for physical damage or the need to replace. If it is damaged or requires replacement, it must be done as soon as possible to ensure maximum performance.