What does “EPA certified” mean?
An EPA certified appliance complies with strict emissions and efficiency regulations designed to reduce pollution and control energy costs. In an increasing number of jurisdictions, only EPA certified units are allowed to be installed. The EPA certification is your guarantee that the stove you are buying will burn cleanly and efficiently, reducing your heating costs and protecting the air we breathe. Non-certified units are less efficient and more expensive to operate in the long run.
What is the difference between catalytic converters and secondary combustion?
A catalytic converter is a device through which wood smoke is channeled. It lowers the combustion temperature of the gases, allowing them to be consumed at lower firing. Secondary combustion mixes air with the exhaust gases, causing them to reignite and burn before going up the chimney.
Will the glass door of my fireplace/insert stay clean?
Most models are designed with a unique airwash system that forces air in front of the glass to keep the flames and exhaust away. This keeps the door looking clean a lot longer. Over a period of time, or if you underfire your appliance, you might need to clean the glass. You can use a fireplace cleaner available in our stores.
Do I need a blower?
A blower is a great way to spread the heat throughout your house more quickly. It does not affect the combustion rate of the fire, since they move air around the outside of the firebox. We highly recommend a blower if you are trying to heat a large room or several rooms.
Can I convert my wood stove to gas?
No, wood stoves are set specifically to burn wood.