20 Myths About Wood Burning Stove: Busted

Wood Burning Stoves Near Me

wood stove burning stoves are a low-carbon renewable heat source that can save money on energy bills. They also help with active woodland management that benefits wildlife.

However, if they aren't properly maintained and installed, they can create carbon monoxide which can pose health hazards for the family. To avoid this, search for an EPA-certified wood stove equipped with modern technology to ensure safe operation.

Catalytic Stoves

A catalytic stove is equipped with a specific honeycomb-like catalyst that converts the smoke of wood into carbon dioxide and water. This is a great choice for those who want to cut down on indoor air pollution while saving money. They burn more hot and produce less creosote. They consume less fuel. 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 in accordance with certain guidelines that reduce their emissions. These guidelines state that the catalytic stove must test at least 7.5 grams of smoke per hour. This compares to 4.1 g/hr for a non-catalytic stove. It's important to remember that lower emissions ratings do not necessarily mean greater efficiency in heating.

Sizing and Selection

It is very important to ensure that your wood stove is designed for the space in which it is installed. The wrong size stove will not work as intended and could overheat. A properly-sized stove increases heat output and reduces emissions. The brochure: Buying a wood stove that is certified by the EPA (PDF 530K), provides a convenient way to measure and choose a new wooden stove.

Non-Catalytical and Catalytic stoves

The first type of wood stove to be produced was the non-catalytic stove. These are also known as traditional wood burning stoves or open-fire stoves. The non-catalytic stove has the advantage that it doesn't need an additional combustion to reduce emissions. Smoke is one of the major sources of energy waste. The smoke from a wood stove that is not catalytic has creosote, a hefty residue which is a very toxic substance. The catalytic wood heater has helped to alleviate the risks. The catalytic stove uses catalysts that burn gases in the smoke to eliminate toxic creosote.

Although the catalytic wood stove was developed to help reduce toxic emissions, it is not as effective as the secondary burn system that is found in the non-catalytic stove. The catalyst does not completely burn the byproducts from burning wood and therefore still produces some unhealthy fumes. Additionally, the honeycomb structure of the catalyst can break down over time. This can result in a decrease in performance and the need for replacement.

Maintain the Combustion Chamber Clean

A catalytic combustor working properly will appear like a powdery gray. It should be free of ash, soot or other tatty substances that would plug up the cells and decrease the catalytic surface. The combustor should not be exposed to flame impingement. This can be caused by a fast, powerful draft pulling flames directly into the catalytic converter. This may also happen when the firebox's or ash pan's door has been left open.

It is essential to inspect the catalytic combustor to determine whether it has physical damage and a need for replacement. If the catalytic unit is damaged or needs to be replaced, it should happen as soon as possible to ensure optimal performance.