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Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic
Q: What is the difference between a catalytic and non-catalytic
wood-burning stove?
A: Catalytic stoves use a ceramic honeycomb structure that
has been coated with a rare metal catalyst. The combustor is built
into the stove in such a manner that a bypass opens during startup
to allow the smoke and byproducts of combustion to flow through
it. The combustor creates a chemical reaction that forces the carbon
monoxide to burn at a reduced temperature. Catalytic combustors,
by design, degrade with time, thus reducing their performance. Under
extreme firings of the stove they may crack and fall apart. They
can also be damaged by paint on wood, or paper and ink. Non-catalytic
stoves are not, by design, prone to degrade. Aladdin's stainless
steel secondary manifolds inject superheated air into the firebox
above the wood load, just under the baffle. This creates secondary
combustion and extremely clean-burning, highly efficient operation,
with no need to open or close a bypass or monitor combustor temperatures.
Best of all, the interior parts are not prone to wear out, with
the associated decline in performance. Non-catalytic stoves like
Quadra-Fire and Dovres keep their glass doors much cleaner for more
enjoyment of the fabulous fire view. Consumer friendliness, low
maintenance, high efficiencies, and a clear view of the fire have
made non-catalytic stoves the first choice in wood stoves. 70% of
all new stove sales nationwide are non-catalytic.
EPA Certification
Q: What is an EPA certified wood-burning stove?
A: EPA certified wood-burning stoves are units that have
been tested to rigorous standards and have met the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for wood smoke emissions. Prior
to 1987, wood stoves were not regulated by the EPA. The current
EPA regulations require wood-burning stove emissions to be lower
than 7.5 grams of particulate matter per hour.
Particulate
Matter
Q: What is particulate matter?
A: Particulate matter is a pollutant found in wood smoke.
Similar to cigarette smoke, it can damage lungs and create respiratory
problems. Older, uncertified wood stoves can produce up to 50+ grams
of particulate per hour. New, certified appliances are very clean-burning
and emit no visible smoke.
Selling Uncertified Stoves
Q: Can I sell my uncertified stove under the EPA regulations?
A: No. Uncertified stoves are protected by grandfather clauses
as long as they remain in the same home in which they were installed.
Once a stove is removed, it is illegal to resell or reinstall the
appliance in another location. All uncertified stoves must be disassembled
and scrapped.
Can I Adjust My Flames?
Q: Can I adjust the flames on my gas appliance?
A: Your unit is preset at the factory to produce the safest
and most efficient flame. Do not try to adjust the flame yourself
unless you own a model with a variable control setting. Contact
your authorized Aladdin dealer if you have concerns about the operation
or appearance of your gas appliance.
First-Time Odors
Q: Why did I smell a strange odor the first time I lit my
gas appliance?
A: During the first few hours of operation, it's normal to
notice a temporary "hot motor" smell. This is the result
of paint curing and burning the oils used during manufacturing,
and should disappear within a few hours. See the question on negative
air pressure for information on what to do if you smell other fumes.
In a Fog
Q: When I start my appliance, the glass fogs up for a few
minutes--is that normal?
A: In a word, yes! Water vapor is one of the byproducts of
combustion, and each time you use your gas appliance you'll see
condensation on the glass. After a few minutes, it will clear off.
Understanding Negative
Air Pressure
Q: What is negative air pressure, and do I need to worry
about it?
A: When air pressure inside your house is slightly less than
the air pressure outside, this is known as negative air pressure.
This condition, which is fairly common in today's tightly-built
energy-efficient homes, creates a partial vacuum that sucks air
into the house from any available opening. When you have negative
air pressure, air can be sucked into your home by bath or kitchen
exhaust fans and clothes dryers, or through the flues of your furnace,
gas water heater, or fireplace. These fumes may contain carbon monoxide,
which is dangerous. If you notice any of these signs of negative
air pressure, you need to correct the problem immediately:
-
Noticeable fumes while your gas appliance is operating
- Drafts
near your exhaust vents or in front of your fireplace
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Poor flame quality and/or performance of gas-fueled appliances
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Appliance shutdowns that happen for no apparent reason
Note that direct-vent appliances are not affected by negative air
pressure, because they use outside air for combustion and vent all
combustion byproducts directly to the outside.
Creating
Positive Pressure
Q: How can I eliminate negative air pressure?
A: Opening a window slightly will temporarily improve the
air supply to your appliances that require air.
Don't
Damper Down!
Q: Why can't I damper down my gas appliance?
A: Although combustion products are mostly harmless carbon
dioxide and water they may contain small amounts of carbon monoxide,
which is extremely dangerous even in small amounts. For safety's
sake, NEVER restrict the draft for your appliance in any way; it
could allow dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to enter your home.
A
Vent of a Different Color
Q: Can I paint or change the direct-vent cap on my house?
A: High-temperature paint to change its color is fine. But
don't make any other changes to your vent cap; not only could it
affect your unit's operation, it's unsafe.
Masonry
Chimneys and Gas Units
Q: Can a factory-built gas appliance use a masonry chimney?
A: Generally, no. Because the larger size of a masonry flue
takes longer to preheat and longer to establish a draft, and requires
more heat to maintain a proper draft, it's unsuitable for use with
a factory-built gas appliance. Your unit's safety testing and UL
Listing are void without the factory-tested chimney/vent system.
Some appliances are tested to use a combination of masonry and factory-built
venting; see your authorized Aladdin dealer for more information.
Glass
Cleaning
Q: How can I keep the glass clean on my gas appliance?
A: To clean the glass, wait for it to cool completely, then
follow the removal instructions provided with your appliance. For
general cleaning, use ordinary glass cleaners. If a white film has
accumulated on the inside of the glass, you may need to use an automotive
rubbing compound, or a product such as Polish Plus™ or Brasso™
(as recommended by your dealer). Be sure to thoroughly rinse off
all cleaners before relighting the unit.
Glass Cracks
Q: What should I do if my glass becomes chipped or cracked?
A: Don't use your appliance until you've replaced the cracked
glass! Contact your authorized Aladdin dealer for replacement information.
Soot Sense
Q: How often do I need to clean the flue system on my gas
appliance?
A: At least annually. If you find soot in the cap, have a
professional clean the entire chimney system. Then call your authorized
Aladdin dealer to have the appliance itself adjusted to prevent
future soot production and accumulation.
History
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1999 Aladdin Hearth. About this site.
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