I have a Hearthstone Heritage but I think this question would apply to any cat stove. I was told by the installer that the glue in cardboard might clog my catalytic combustor, so I should not burn cardboard. I have a new cardboard shredder, and I find that it is terrific for starting new fires. Am I damaging my cat? I use about a half to one cup. I use only cardboard with no ink or black ink.
burning cardboard in cat stove
- Thread starter polkadottie
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
My gut tells me the installer is probably correct. Either that or it would cause me enough doubt to make it not worth it.
I have the smaller Castleton, but I bet starting with cardboard is fine.
The instructions to install the catalysts say to wrap them with packing/masking tape to compress the gasket, and that the tape will just burn off. I've got to think a handful of cardboard shred isn't worse.
I wouldn't burn the cardboard as fuel, it'll probably make lots of fine ash, which could clog the catalysts.
The instructions to install the catalysts say to wrap them with packing/masking tape to compress the gasket, and that the tape will just burn off. I've got to think a handful of cardboard shred isn't worse.
I wouldn't burn the cardboard as fuel, it'll probably make lots of fine ash, which could clog the catalysts.
cellulose based glue will be fine - but do you know what chemicals are in the glue of your cardboard ? Likely fine, but no guarantees...
I think tape around the cat will exhaust to the rear of the cat when vaporizing not thru the cat channels, as it is on the outside of the sides of the cat.
I would not do it. On the other hand, it's your cat, your money if you have to buy a new one (tho they're not cheap nowadays).
I think tape around the cat will exhaust to the rear of the cat when vaporizing not thru the cat channels, as it is on the outside of the sides of the cat.
I would not do it. On the other hand, it's your cat, your money if you have to buy a new one (tho they're not cheap nowadays).
Burnin Since 1991
Minister of Fire
Check the replacement cat and buy one now so you have a spare. Pull or inspect your current cat. Burn some cardboard for a day or so and see what your cat looks like. If it's not liking the cardboard, clean it and find something else to do with the cardboard. If you decide to keep burning I would inspect your cat frequently and then you can let us all know the findings of your experiment.
You can't see it if chemicals deactivate your cat.
Ash clogging it is of course visible. Glue physically clogging the cat is not going to happen. It'll burn. But burning some things can deactivate a cat.
Ash clogging it is of course visible. Glue physically clogging the cat is not going to happen. It'll burn. But burning some things can deactivate a cat.
Similar threads
