When I first got the stove used I looked at the catalyst and it was in good shape. No broken sections.
I have been testing my new heatpump so have not used the stove lately and while it was cold I decided to remove the shield and check it. Its very clean with no build up on it but I saw one small section that was now broken.
I figure start up is not much of a problem due to the slow build up of temp etc. My question is on reload? What is the best process to avoid shocking the ceramic and cracking it?
This is my current process on a refill.
1. Open bypass
2. Open draft if I remember. I'll admit most times I forget and do it after I have loaded and closed the door.
3. Open door, add new wood.
4. Watch flue temp and adjust draft while waiting for catalyst to heat up again. Shouldn't catalyst be cold already at this point?
5. When catalyst is up to temp + a bit I close bypass.
6. Open draft again... maybe shouldn't do this? seems to help get it going better.
7. Watch flue temp and lower draft as heat climbs back up.
I have been testing my new heatpump so have not used the stove lately and while it was cold I decided to remove the shield and check it. Its very clean with no build up on it but I saw one small section that was now broken.
I figure start up is not much of a problem due to the slow build up of temp etc. My question is on reload? What is the best process to avoid shocking the ceramic and cracking it?
This is my current process on a refill.
1. Open bypass
2. Open draft if I remember. I'll admit most times I forget and do it after I have loaded and closed the door.
3. Open door, add new wood.
4. Watch flue temp and adjust draft while waiting for catalyst to heat up again. Shouldn't catalyst be cold already at this point?
5. When catalyst is up to temp + a bit I close bypass.
6. Open draft again... maybe shouldn't do this? seems to help get it going better.
7. Watch flue temp and lower draft as heat climbs back up.