There
are two types of wood burning stoves: catalytic combustor and noncatalytic.
Catalytic
Combustor Stoves (cats):
- Catalytic Combustor Stoves
burn wood with a slower, longer, and more controlled combustion temperature
of 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cats should have a main
body thickness of a minimum of 1/4-inch plate steel or cast iron. Its bypass
plate should be at least 5/16-inch thick and grip a piece of thin paper tightly
when closed.
- Cats need little upkeep;
any ash that collects on the combustor may be cleaned gently with a soft brush.
- Some signs of needed
combustor replacement are creosote build-up, excessive chimney smoke, and
a general sluggish stove operation.
Noncatalytic Combustor
Stoves ("noncats"):
- Noncats burn wood within
a heavily insulated firebox that ensures a more thorough combustion.
- Noncatalytic stoves
do not require the level of care as catalytic stoves.
- Noncats should be constructed
with a minimum of 1/4-inch cast iron or plate steel. The baffles, located
in the interior roof, should be a minimum of 5/16-inch plate steel and have
v-shaped support beams.
Helpful Tips:
- When choosing a wood stove, it is important to know your specific heating
space needs. It is crucial to place the wood stove with safe clearances. Each
model will have its own precise requirements, as well as instructions regarding
installation. As a wise safety precaution, have your stove installed professionally.
- Purchasing the very best stove you can afford is economical over the long
haul, higher efficiency levels will help to pay back your initial investment.
- Be aware of the fuel limitations of your stove. Most wood stoves are meant
to burn wood only.
- Avoid burning green (unseasoned) wood which may contain up to 50% of its
weight in moisture and needs to be burned off before the heat can reach your
house.
- Build small, hot fires for maximum burning of volatile gases and for fewer
air quality and safety problems.
- Keep the stove's air-intake vents clear by removing excess ashes.
- Observe the amount of smoke coming from your chimney. The less smoke, the
cleaner the burning process.
- Wood stoves and chimneys should be inspected at least once each year by
a stove dealer or chimney sweep.