Questions and Answers about
Woodburning Fireplaces

Ever wondered?

1. What does "EPA certified" mean?
2. How are EPA certified appliances different?
3. What is the difference between catalytic converters and secondary combustion?
4. Which is better?
5. Do I need an ash drawer?
6. Will the glass door stay clean?
7. Do I need a blower?
8. Why are the BTU & efficiency ratings different on the EPA Tag and the brochure?

1. 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 appliances are less efficient and more expensive to operate in the long run. Every Excalibur wood model is EPA certified.

2. How are EPA certified appliances different?

EPA certified appliances must meet strict emissions guidelines. In order to do so, they incorporate advanced combustion technology designed to reduce pollution. There are two types of technology currently in use: catalytic converters and secondary combustion.

3. 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 re-ignite and burn before going up the chimney.

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4. Which is better?

Catalytic converters burn more cleanly, but they need to be replaced after a certain number of hours of operation, and they can cost in excess of $150. Excalibur uses secondary combustion to achieve almost the same low levels of emissions, and our system is guaranteed for as long as you own the appliance. Secondary combustion systems require less maintenance and are more heavy-duty than catalytic converters.

5. Do I need an ash drawer?

Ash drawers make cleanup a lot easier and safer. Instead of scooping out the ashes after every fire, simply dump them into the drawer, and empty the drawer every few weeks. The drawer comes with a lid to prevent the ashes from flying out while they are being taken outside.

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6. Will the glass door stay clean?

Every Excalibur model is designed with a unique airwash system that forces cool air in front of the glass to keep the flames and exhaust away. This keeps your door looking clean and transparent a lot longer. Over the course of a winter, or if you underfire your appliance, you might need to clean the glass. This is easily done with fireplace glass cleaner, available at your local hearth shop.

7. Do I need a blower?

Blowers are an excellent way to spread the heat from your appliance throughout your home more quickly. They do not affect the combustion rate of the fire, since they move air around the outside of the firebox. If you are trying to heat a large room or several rooms, a blower is highly recommended.

8. Why are the BTU & efficiency ratings different on the EPA Tag and the brochure?

They are both correct. The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) label measures environmental emissions (particulate matter or smoke) based on a test using a controlled, standardized, high efficiency fuel.

Information on the mandatory EPA label regarding heat output efficiency is for similar non-catalytic wood heaters and EPA mandates a default efficiency rating of 63% for ALL qualifying non-catalytic wood stoves and wood inserts. This is not the actual efficiency of the unit.

The brochure efficiency rating is the proven overall efficiency result for a properly installed, operated and maintained unit.

Similarly, the BTU rating on the EPA label is based on a set amount of fuel burned in testing, not necessarily the maximum amount of fuel that could be inserted into the firebox. The brochures BTU rating is based on tests utilizing the full capacity of the firebox.

Please click on the following link for more information on EPA: http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/monitoring/programs/caa/whlqanda.html

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