How do you know when your catalytic element is no longer functioning? Will the flue temps be higher and the fire burn out quicker? Or does it happen pretty gradually?
Catalytic Element Question
- Thread starter mountaineer79
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Todd
Minister of Fire
Best way to tell is go outside and look for smoke out the chimney, if cat is working you should have no smoke. Also stove top temps should go down. Have you checked the cat for fly ash build up?
Fsappo
Minister of Fire
A smokey fire with the cat engaged is a good sign. When looking at your chimney, remember not to confuse water vapor with smoke. Water vapor will vanish a few feet after it exits the chimney in most cases. Smoke will linger much longer
I didn't even know I had one and used a flue damper with the bypass open for the 1st 2 years, but since I've been using the cat, chimney doesn't quit smoking until after about an hour after shutting the bypass. It never smokes a whole lot, but sometimes it will smoke even with a good hot fire going.
Todd
Minister of Fire
What kind of stove do you burn? Do you have the manual? Basically cats require a brushing or vacuuming about every cord of wood burned to get rid of excess fly ash that can clog up the holes in the catalyst. With proper burning techniques they will last 4-6 years or more.
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