The Survival Podcast Wood Stoves and Inserts – Friday Flashbacks – Epi-76
May 16, 2025
Join hearth appliance expert Jeff Wheatley as he shares over 15 years of wisdom on wood stoves and inserts. He dives into the art of chimney installations and the nuances between catalytic and non-catalytic systems. Listeners learn about maximizing heat efficiency and minimizing creosote with properly seasoned firewood. Jeff also offers crucial safety tips for stove placement, including avoiding risks like positioning TVs over fireplaces. His insights ensure homeowners can enjoy cozy warmth while keeping safety front and center.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Modern Wood Stove Efficiency Explained
- Modern wood stoves boost efficiency by prolonging heat retention and ensuring complete combustion with design features like smoke shelves and added air flow.
- Temperature, turbulence, and time are the key factors that make modern wood stove combustion more efficient than older designs.
Catalytic vs Non-Catalytic Stoves
- Choose catalytic stoves for longer burn times and better fuel efficiency if you use wood daily for heat.
- Prefer non-catalytic stoves for simplicity, less maintenance, and long-term durability without needing catalyst replacements.
Use Proper Chimney Pipe Types
- Avoid running single wall stove pipe through walls or outside due to high clearance requirements and greater creosote buildup.
- Use double wall or insulated chimney pipe outdoors or for long runs to keep flue gases hot and ensure proper draft.