Catalytic Wood Stove Secrets Revealed

Catalytic wood stoves are a popular choice for people who want to heat their homes with a stove. These appliances burn more efficiently than older models, and will save you money on your heating bill. They also produce less smoke and smell when in use. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of catalytic wood stoves with one-piece vents, vent free models, and inserts so that you can decide which type is right for you!

What is a catalytic wood stove and how does it work

A catalytic wood stove is a stove that burns more efficiently than older models. This means it will save you money on your heating bill and will produce less smoke and smell when in use.

Catalytic wood stoves have a stainless steel catalytic converter which uses a combination of air, heat, and a catalyst to convert the particulate matter into water vapor before releasing it into the atmosphere.

In non-catalytic stoves, smoke from the wood-burning process goes straight up the chimney…which seems like what you want.

However, this smoky exhaust contains unburned particulates that not only are negatively impact the atmosphere but also could produce heat if burned.

The problem is, these particulates only burn when they get to very high temperatures (around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit!). And wood stoves typically generate a heat output of only 500 degrees.

So, catalytic stoves contain a “catalytic combustor,” which is a ceramic honeycomb-shaped device coated with a “noble” metal like palladium. The metal works as a catalyst lowering the ignition temperature of the pre-heated combustion air to around 400 degrees. Now, these particulates can burn.

This secondary combustion converts the smoke into carbon dioxide, water vapor, and, heat.

Why they are good for your home

The catalytic stove is both better for the environment AND more efficient. With more heat produced from catalytic combustion, this increased efficiency reduces fuel consumption. Moreover, the reduced emissions from catalytic combustion keep harmful particulates out of the atmosphere.

How to choose the right size for your home

When you are purchasing a catalytic wood stove, it is important to take into consideration what size would be most appropriate for your home. Too small and you’re making a lot of hot tea and wearing hats. Too big and you’re opening windows and thinking you’re going through menopause…even if you’re male.

But there’s no exact science. Some houses are insulated better, some have more southern exposure, some have higher quality or more/less windows. It depends.

But as a general guideline, “small” wood stoves heat up to 1000 square feet “medium” wood stoves up to 2000 square feet, and large ones up to 3000 square feet.

You’re better off going a bit larger than too small. It’s better for the stove to keep the heat output a little under capacity than over.

It also depends on the species of firewood you use. A cord of dense red oak will produce more heat than a cord of soft pine.

Also, consider that catalytic stoves do tend to produce a bit more heat than non-catalytic stoves.

The Benefits of a Catalytic Stove

A catalytic stove can produce up to 50% less emissions than standard fossil fuel burning furnaces or boilers without any additional equipment modifications needed! If that doesn’t convince you then maybe this one will: The EPA estimates that a catalytic wood stove will save you about $300 a year in home heating costs!

The drawbacks of using a catalytic wood stove (higher initial cost, higher maintenance costs) 

Catalytic wood stoves are a great way to heat your home, but you need to be aware of their drawbacks. A catalytic wood stove is more expensive than a typical wood stove and requires more maintenance.

Typically, the converter lasts 5-6 years before it needs to be replaced. It depends on how much high heat the catalyst stove gets, how often you have fires, and how much paper and cardboard you put through the stove. (Avoid using it as a trash burner…keep it to burning wood!)

Reasons why you might not want to buy a catalytic wood stove (preference in type of heating system, allergy or asthma sufferer) 

Wood stoves are a popular option for heating homes, but they can also cause asthma symptoms.  If you suffer from asthma or allergies, it’s important to think about the impact of wood-burning furnaces on your condition before making a decision about purchasing one.

FAQs about catalytic wood stoves

• How long does a wood stove catalytic converter last?

5-7 years before the converter will need to be replaced

• How do I know if my wood stove catalyst is bad?

Check it visually to see if it is literally falling apart. See if the outside coating seems to be flaking off. Next, using a thermometer, check the heat output. If the temperature is lower than normal it may be time to replace the converter.

• Do wood stoves have a catalytic converter?

No…there are many non catalytic wood stoves

• Can I add a catalytic converter to my wood stove?

Yes, it’s possible, but this topic needs its own post!

• Can I remove the catalytic converter from my wood stove?
  Sure. But why would you want to?.
• Do catalytic wood stoves require electricity?

No

• When should I engage my catalytic converter on a wood stove?

Allow the fire to reach 700-1000 degrees before closing the bypass damper

• Are catalytic wood stoves worth it?

They burn cleaner, hotter, and more efficiently. If you heat primarily with wood I would say yes!

• What is secondary combustion in a wood stove?

A secondary burn occurs when gases from the primary burn ignite. Normally this doesn’t happen in wood stoves unless catalysts reduce the ignition temps to around 400 degrees.