Wood Burning Stoves Near Me

Wood stoves can help you reduce your energy bills. They also help to support active woodland management, which benefits wildlife.

If they aren't properly maintained and installed they may release carbon monoxide, which can pose health hazards to the entire family. To avoid this, search for an EPA-certified wood stove equipped with modern technology to ensure safety.

Catalytic Stoves

A catalytic stove is outfitted with a special honeycomb-like catalyst which converts the smoke from wood into carbon dioxide and water. This is a great choice for those who want to cut down on the air pollution in their homes while saving money. They consume less fuel, burn hotter, 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 that are EPA-Certified

The EPA requires that wood stoves be constructed in accordance with certain guidelines that restrict their emissions. The guidelines stipulate that a catalytic wood stove should test no higher than 7.5 grams of smoke per hour. This is in contrast to 4.1 grams per hour of smoke for a non catalytic stove. But, it's important to keep in mind that lower emissions ratings don't translate into more heating efficiency.

Sizing and Selection

It is important that your wood stove is sized to fit the area in which it will be put in. 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 purchasing an EPA-certified wood white electric stove (PDF 530K) provides a convenient method for sizing and selecting the right wood stove.

Non-Catalytic and Catalytic stoves

The first type of wood stove that was produced was the 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 doesn't require another combustion to lower emissions. However, a significant amount of energy wasted is lost in the form of smoke. The smoke from a non-catalytic wood stove contains a heavy residue called creosote which is a highly toxic substance. The catalytic wood heater has eliminated the risks. The catalytic wood stove employs catalysts to burn off the smoke's gases and eliminates toxic creosote.

While the catalytic wood stove was designed as a means to reduce toxic emissions however, it isn't as effective as the secondary burn system used in the non-catalytic stove. The catalyst can produce unhealthy fumes because it doesn't completely burn the byproducts from burning wood. Additionally, the honeycomb structure of the catalyst can break down over time. This can lead to an increase in performance and the necessity for replacement.

Keep the Combustion Chamber Clean

A catalytic combustor operating properly will appear like a powdery gray. It must be free of ash, soot or other tatty substances that could clog the cells and reduce catalytic surface area. The combustor shouldn't be subjected to flame impingement. This could occur when a powerful, fast draft forces flames into a catalytic convertor. This could also happen if the firebox door or ash pan door is left open.

It is essential to check the catalytic combustion chamber on a regular basis for physical damage or a need to replace. If the catalytic combustor has become damaged or requires to be replaced, it should be done as soon as is possible to ensure maximum performance.