When wood stove problems arise, however, owners wonder if their investment will wind up being a liability. I have to assume that my wood is not dry enough but I did split some locust into smaller pieces and the face of the splits measured 15 - 17%. It would simply put out the fire if I turned it on, so I was left with burning combustor-less, which works but is not as efficient. Modern wood stoves are typically combination appliances that deliver heat via both radiation and convection: Radiant Heat – Think of sunshine; Infrared waves radiate out from the walls and especially the glass door of the … My problem is that creosote buildup occurs in my chimney at a rate that demands cleaning at least once a month. In catalytic combustion, any unburned particles in the smoke are utilized as fuel. Let it sit this way for 15 seconds or so. How to Improve the Draw of a Wood-Burning Stove to Help It Burn Better. Modern catalysts can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance and use. In today’s market, you’ll find two main types of wood stoves: Catalytic Wood Burning Stove. This helps to direct the flow up and out your chimney instead of out the door. While a blockage in the flue or the cap may be responsible, there are some steps you can take before scheduling a chimney cleaning. 2) Related to #1 I am finding I have a large amount of coals and charred wood in the stove. 1. Sometimes, problems with draft can cause the smoke from your wood stove to come back into the room, rather than going up the flue as it’s supposed to. Don't turn the catalytic on till it gets up to high heat. Since many factors can affect heat output, such as the quality of your wood and draft conditions, the only sure way to tell if the combustor is not coming up to temperature is with a catalytic thermometer. Wood-burning stoves need adequate air to operate properly. Though catalytic wood stoves are more expensive, they burn fuel more efficiently. Then you can open it up. The catalytic combustor in my stove, which was already getting old, didn’t take very kindly to this sub-par wood. Cross-section of catalytic wood stove Courtesy of Blaze King If your stove seems to be making less heat than it has in the past, this is an indi-cation that the catalytic combustor is beginning to fail. Wood Stove Problems and Solutions. And being forced to let the system cool in January is … Only turn on the catalytic once the stove is burning really not. A handsome wood stove is a great investment.And like any investment, owners thoroughly enjoy using it when it’s working properly. Their complex design allows these stoves to burn wood for longer and give steady heat. Make sure your catalytic combustor bypass or combustion fan is engaged: If your wood stove is equipped with a catalytic combustor (and most clean wood stoves are) you should turn on your stove’s combustion fan or bypass the catalytic combustor before opening the door. 2. 3. I'm also concerned about exceeding safe catalytic temperature with the air open 30% when I'm not around. When you need to load new wood, open up the air vent all the way and turn off the catalytic. In fact, it decided to clog up. Wood burning heaters aka “wood stoves” come in two main configurations; standard non-catalytic wood stoves and catalytic wood stoves. Catalytic stoves are typically more expensive long term than non-catalytic models because the catalyst honeycomb eventually breaks down and needs to be replaced.