How can you tell from a burn if the catalyst has ash

[Charlene Kravec]

Before the burning season began we had our VC Sequoia checked and chimney swept. Although we (me) have been cleaning the obvious ash from the face of the "cat" and vacuumed, when taken out it was filled with ash.
Taking the "cat" out is not only a pain because it's held in with two steel wedges at the top of the stove, the gasket around it is delicate. Is there any way to determine from the burn when this should be done? Last year's firewood wasn't the best and this year's is much better because it's drier.

As always thanks for your help.

 

[mellow]

Ash will plug the holes and create a couple issues, your draft will suffer causing back puffing, and your cat will not light off like it will when it is clean.

It might be worth it to buy a digital inspection camera from harbor freight.

 

[Charlene Kravec]

Mellow: Thanks, I'll look into that suggestion of yours.