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Woodstoves
A Sooty Solution Chimney Service has several different models of wood stoves to choose from. Our stove's include both freestanding and insert models. What does this all mean though? Stove companies and dealers throw words around like air wash, combustion chamber and catalytic converter. The average person will just smile and nod, however we have put together a little information to help you understand the lingo and learn more about your potential stove purchase.
Insert OR Freestanding
First off, what type of stove do you need? Wood stoves come in two basic models. An Insert which is specifically designed for installing into a masonary fireplace, then around the outside of the stove is placed the surround or flashing. This flashing is what prevents the homeowner from seeing the inside of the old fireplace. The second type is the Freestanding model. This type of woodstove is made to be placed on a hearth and is usually vented with a Class A type chimney. Where the insert model has a stainless steel liner directly attached to the top of the unit.
The freestanding model has normally two options on how it stands. It will either have a pedastol base or legs. The pedastol base can sometimes double as a wood rack or ash dump depending on the manufacturer. The leg versions simply have four legs which support the stove weight.
The freestanding model has normally two options on how it stands. It will either have a pedastol base or legs. The pedastol base can sometimes double as a wood rack or ash dump depending on the manufacturer. The leg versions simply have four legs which support the stove weight.
(Insert model) (Freestanding Pedastol)
Catalytic or Non-Catalytic
The EPA regulates the output on all wood stoves. It is measured in how efficient the stove is and it's BTU rating. The story with catalytic converters starts a couple decades ago. The EPA regulated emissions on how many particulates a hour were produced by the stove. The basic reason that came to play were several of the western states that were at a higher elevation were experiencing SMOG problems. The smoke emissions from wood stoves were adding to this ongoing problem. The EPA stated that stoves had to start burning more efficiently to reduce the amount of particulates within the smoke. This is what began the catalytic- non catalytic debate.
In a Non-Catalytic type woodstove theproducts of combustion vent upward.
The smoke hits the baffle and rolls forward around the baffle and then pulled out the chimney from the natural venturi effect.
Typically non-catalytic stoves will be made
steel. Where catalytic types are more
commonly made of cast.
steel. Where catalytic types are more
commonly made of cast.
This diagram shows
the basic design
between catalytic and
non-catalytic stoves.
The Catalytic type stove has a
honeycomb structure similar to
the one pictured to the right. The
catalytic type basically funnels all smoke through this honeycomb structure. It acts like a filter basically cleaning the smoke before it exits the chimney.
Wood stove designers try to make their wood stove better than the others. Realistically wood stoves have not changed in 100 years. They still work on a radiant heat principle. Whether they are made of steel or cast iron they all work the same. You put wood in, it burns, you enjoy the heat! Manufactures add inventions all the time. Some include mitten warmers, cooking surfaces and fancy air wash systems for the glass. A ash dump in the floor for easy clean up or fancy glass etching. Despite argument in the field no wood stove is better than another. They all have their own perks and flaws. When purchasing a stove follow a few simple rules.
- Do you require a insert or a freestanding?
- Catalytic or Non-Catalytic design?
- How it looks. Do you like the exterior appearance?
- How many square feet will it heat?
- Blower or no blower?
The air wash systems are nice but tend to get plugged with ash. The ash dumps are great but seem to always get buried under ash as well. The main factor is whether it is appealing to you. Do you like the way it looks and how many square feet will it heat. It is a good rule of thumb to get a smaller stove and run it hotter than having a big stove and choking it down. If you have a big stove and keep the damper closed a lot of the time to keep from cooking you out of your home. You are not accomplishing anything other than creating more creosote than is necessary.
