How can you be sure the catalytic combustor is operating properly?

Some stoves are equipped with a combustor view port, it should be noted that the combustor usually glows during the first 20 to 35% of the burn cycle when the catalyst is receiving the most smoke and burning at a high temperature. The combustor temperature can reach 1000 F. and produce a glow.

 However, the combustor does not have to glow to be working.  As less smoke is present to burn, the combustor temperature drops and the glow will cease. Therefore, it is suggest this not be a method of determining whether or not the combustor is working.
-The best method is the use of thermo couplings and following the stove manufacturer’s instructions. This method will read the inlet and exhaust temperatures of the combustor.
-A more simple method is to visually observe the exhaust coming out of the chimney. When the by-pass is in the closed position and the catalytic combustor is in good operating condition, there should be no dark smoke coming out of the chimney.

-If the catalytic combustor is not working properly, the stove’s operator will notice an increase in fuel usage.
-The stove’s operator will also notice an increase build-up of creosote in the system.