Wood Burning Stove Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Wood Burning Stoves Near Me

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

If they aren't properly installed and maintained they may release carbon monoxide, which can pose health risks to the entire family. To prevent this, look for an EPA-certified wood stove that has modern technology to ensure safety.

Catalytic Stoves

A catalytic fireplace is outfitted with a catalyst which looks like a honeycomb. It converts wood smoke into carbon dioxide. It is a great option for anyone looking to cut down on indoor air pollution and save money by burning less wood. These stoves use less fuel, burn more hot, and produce less creosote. However, 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 reduce their emissions. These guidelines state that a catalytic wood stove must be tested at a level that is not more than 7.5 grams of smoke per hour. This is in comparison to 4.1 grams of smoke per hour for a non catalytic stove. It is important to keep in mind that lower emission ratings do not necessarily mean greater efficiency in heating.

Sizing and Selection

It is crucial to make sure your wood stove is appropriate for the house where it will be installed. The wrong size stove won't function as it should and could even overheat. A properly sized stove will boost heat output while cutting emissions. The brochure: Buying a wood stove that is certified by the EPA (PDF 530K) is a great method to determine the size and type of a new wooden stove.

Non-Catalytic and Catalytic stoves

The first wood stove made was non-catalytic stove. They are also referred to as traditional wood burning stoves or open-Fire Stove stoves. The non-catalytic stove has the advantage that it does not require an additional combustion to reduce emissions. Smoke is one of the major sources of energy wasted. The smoke from a wood stove that is not catalytic has a heavy residue called creosote which is a very toxic substance. The introduction of the catalytic wood stove wood has eliminated these issues. The catalytic stove is catalysts that burn the gases in the smoke to remove the toxic creosote.

Although the catalytic wood stove was designed to help reduce the emission of toxic gases, it is not as efficient as the secondary burn system that is found in the non-catalytic stove. The catalyst does not completely burn the byproducts produced by burning wood, which is why it emits harmful fumes. Additionally, the honeycomb structure of the catalyst may break down over time. This can result in decreased performance and the need for replacement.

Make sure to keep the Combustion Chamber Clean

A catalytic combustor that is functioning properly will appear to be like a powdery gray. It should be free of soot, ash or any other material that could clog the catalytic surfaces and decrease their surface area. The combustor must not be subjected to impingement of flames. This can happen when a rapid, strong draft pulls flames directly into a catalytic converter. This could also occur in the event that you leave the firebox or the ash pan doors open.

It is crucial to regularly inspect the catalytic combustor for physical damage and a need for replacement. If it is damaged or in need of replacement, it must be replaced as quickly as possible to ensure the stove's optimal performance.