Wood stove catalyst annual usage & cost
How to know when it's time to replace your catalyst:
- catalyst has been used for 12,000+ hours
- your wood stove is emitting less heat
- smoke from the chimney is black (instead of white)
Learn more ⇩
Remember to replace your catalytic thermometer at the same time!
Seasonal Cost of using a six-inch round catalyst (shipping including)
| Temperature Zone | Location Example | Annual Months Burned | Lifespan (Years) | Cost Per Season (Ceramic) | Cost Per Season (Steel) |
 |
Northern Minnesota | 8.5 | 2 | $78 | $99 |
 |
Adirondacks, New York | 8 | 2+ | $74 | $88 |
 |
Northern Indiana | 7 | 2.5 | $62 | $78 |
 |
Kentucky, S. Penn | 6 | 3 | $56 | $70 |
 |
S. Virginia, Arkansas | 4 | 4 | $39 | $49 |
 |
S. Ga., Coastal Wash. | 3.5 | 5 | $31 | $40 |
The more you utilize your catalytic combustor, the
more you protect air quality and recover heat from
your woodstove. It also increases safety by helping to
prevent creosote build-up. Except during cold startup
when you should bypass your combustor, always
use the combustor to recover heat from your
smoke and protect the environment.
After 12,000 hours of burning, most wood stove combustors have lost significant catalytic function. This is a natural process called “wear-out.” Molecules of platinum and palladium aren’t actually lost, but their binding to smoke pollutants means gradually your woodstove will recover less heat from smoke. You’ll also notice less warmth, and eventually you’ll see dark pollutants from your chimney. (White steam is a normal emission from any EPA-approved woodstove. Water vapor is a natural harmless byproduct of catalytic reaction.)
Conscientious owners replace their combustors after roughly 12,000 hours even if the combustor is intact. The payback from your additional heat recovery is well worth your cost. This USA winter weather chart helps you plan when to replace your catalyst.
If you live in Zone 5, Northern Indiana or Western Massachusetts for example, replacing the catalyst after two and a half seasons is cost-effective.
After 12,000 hours of burning, most wood stove combustors have lost significant catalytic function. This is a natural process called “wear-out.” Molecules of platinum and palladium aren’t actually lost, but their binding to smoke pollutants means gradually your woodstove will recover less heat from smoke. You’ll also notice less warmth, and eventually you’ll see dark pollutants from your chimney. (White steam is a normal emission from any EPA-approved woodstove. Water vapor is a natural harmless byproduct of catalytic reaction.)
Conscientious owners replace their combustors after roughly 12,000 hours even if the combustor is intact. The payback from your additional heat recovery is well worth your cost. This USA winter weather chart helps you plan when to replace your catalyst.
If you live in Zone 5, Northern Indiana or Western Massachusetts for example, replacing the catalyst after two and a half seasons is cost-effective.