How can I be sure my combustor is in good shape?

If the combustor is operating properly, leave it alone.

It should have a light gray powdery appearance (right combustor) and the cells should be free from any buildup of fly ash or creosote.

The cells should be in good condition and no large pieces of the combustor missing.

A crack in the unit does not hurt its efficiency as long as the unit is in place.

Happy Thanksgiving

Did you know....

When the consumer purchases a new EPA Phase II certified wood burning appliance, they also receive in writing a six year prorated limited lifetime warranty on catalytic combustor inside their new appliance.


This EPA approved warranty assures the consumer, that the catalytic combustor in their new woodburning appliance will give years of reliable service.

Visit the Applied Ceramics website for complete details.

What makes a catalytic stove so special?

It's a proven fact...

Today’s catalytic wood burning appliances deliver 72% or better heating efficiency.

This means that 72% of the energy available in the wood is delivered to the surrounding living area.

In addition to the 72% heating efficiency, catalytic wood burning appliances built today will…
- they reduce air pollution by up to 90%
- they reduce creosote build-up. (up to 90% reduction)
- they generate up to 50% more useful heat from each log.
(this means longer burns per load)
- and they save the consumer up to 1/3 on their fuel cost.
(that's one less cord out of every three)

Remember:
It is important to keep the catalytic combustor in top working condition for the best efficiency of your wood burning appliance.

Hot Fires.....

Is it all right to 'hot fire' a catalytic stove?

Do not "hot fire" your catalytic stove with the by-pass closed.
If this is done with the by-pass damper closed, flames will be directed to the catalytic combustor and cause damage to it.
For many years retailers and installers have advised customers to build an extra hot fire to burn the creosote deposits in the flue system.
This advice is harmful to a catalytic stove and the combustor.
Why not? Because the catalyst is reducing the particulate, or creosote build up, therefore the need to hot fire for this purpose is eliminated.

When should the by-pass be closed?

Catalytic stoves require special firing techniques. Instruction for these techniques will be found in the stove manufacturer's manual. If the manual for the appliance has detailed firing instructions, they should be followed. This is very important for smooth operation of the stove.

In other words, the combustor needs light-off temperature before the by-pass should ever be closed.

A temperature of 500 degrees F. must be focused on the catalytic combustor for as least 25-30 minutes before the by-pass is closed. This will assure you that the combustor has had ample time to light-off. This is just a rule of thumb for any catalytic stove.

Remember to read the manufacturer's manual before building the first fire in you stove or contact Applied Ceramics.