Magnum Heat 

Gone are the days of inefficient wood burning stoves that create more smoke and ash than heat! American Energy Systems has spent considerable time over the past three decades taking the “work” out of wood burning, freeing up your time and maximizing your heat.

The MagnuM and Country Flame wood burning fireplace, stove and fireplace insert lines are state of the art in high efficiency clean burning technology. We squeeze every BTU possible out of each log that you place into our product. Many areas of the United States require clean burning technology from wood burning appliances; something we’ve worked hard to provide in our modern day appliances. The result is less ash, less chimney cleaning, less hauling in wood and taking out ash.

Need to understand BTU’s a bit better? Check out, “The Truth About Heat Efficiency”.

Do you have a question we can help answer? Leave  a comment below or contact us directly.

• What is a catalytic wood stove?
• What is a non-catalytic wood fireplace?
• Which kind of appliance do I want; a catalytic or non-catalytic?

The term catalytic and non-catalytic are types of combustion used by stove and fireplace manufacturers.

Catalytic Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

A catalytic stove typically offers higher efficiencies and longer burn times. The exhaust (smoke) is drawn from the fire and sent through a honeycomb shaped converter (catalyst) built into the appliance. The ceramic coating causes a chemical reaction that allows the smoke to burn when the stove’s surface is only 500°F. The smoke gases and particles when re-heated and allowed to burn, result in a cleaner fire, longer burn times and more even heat. Catalytic appliances, because of this exhaust “recycling” emit less pollutants and increases overall use of the fire’s energy producing a higher efficiency (73% or more) appliance. Catalytic appliances cost a little more than non-catalytic appliances and require a little more maintenance. The catalyst must be cleaned regularly, and garbage or dirty wood burned in a catalyst appliance will result in faster degradation of the internal parts. With proper care, catalytic stoves or fireplaces can last for many years.

Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

Far more common and less expensive, non-catalyst appliances are typically a little less efficient but simpler to maintain. A non-catalytic appliance will have a large baffle system that results in a very hot flow of gas which brings the smoke up to 1200°F to burn off the pollutants. Unlike a catalytic appliance, the smoke is not cleaned by a combustor, resulting in slightly higher pollutants and less even heat. Burn times are typically 10% less than a catalyst appliance resulting in a little more fuel being burned.

Choosing the Right Stove or Fireplace

If you’re not sure whether to choose a catalytic or non-catalytic appliances, consider the amount you’re willing to spend and how much maintenance you’re willing to do versus the type of fire efficiency you want. Those who are interested in maintaining their stove or fireplace and like the idea of efficient fires with little waste and less pollutants will want to invest in a catalytic appliance. Those who appreciate the roar of a good fire but don’t want to spend as much should lean toward a non-catalytic appliance. Either way, make sure that the stove or fireplace you choose is of good quality and is designed to meet all emission standards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established emission standards to ensure pollutants are not emitted into the environment resulting in cleaner air for all to breathe. The EPA along with the American Lung Association is currently promoting action to strengthen these emission standards which may result in manufacturers providing only catalyst appliances to be sold in the future.

Still have questions about catalytic or non-catalytic stoves and fireplaces; contact American Energy Systems today! 

Shop our entire line of renewable energy products here.

Using a wood burning fireplace to heat a home is a great option for many people. Fireplace efficiencies have come a long way, and while some people prefer the modern conveniences of pellet stoves, others still like to burn wood the “old fashioned way”. If splitting wood still appeals to you or smelling the sweet sent of a wood fire, then The Inglenook, The Smart Fireplace, or the Magnum ZC wood burning fireplaces are some great wood burning options.

If you buy before the end of 2010, you can still take advantage of the Energy Tax Credit which you can read about here.

According to Kirk Stover, a MagnumZC owner, the fireplace has exceeded his expectations. “I just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with our Magnum ZC fireplace! This unit has exceeded our expectations regarding its quality, performance and appearance. Since installation, our LP furnace has not run at all. The fireplace keeps our 2000 square foot Northern Minnesota home well over 70 degrees, even when it has been 30 below zero. Although we are burning predominately softwood (aspen, some birch), we have enough coals in the morning to start a new fire.”

If you have questions about the Magnum ZC wood burning fireplace or other wood burning options, please contact us at information@magnumheat.com or fill out our Great Discounts form for more info and savings.

Congratulations, you have made a sound decision to purchase a modern high efficiency clean burning Country Flame or MagnuM wood stove or fireplace. Now comes the burning question on what fuel will be appropriate for your new appliance. There is substantial information online to guide you through making sure your experience will be a positive one and you will have years of trouble free operation. Let’s chop down a few questions into size and get you started. Then we will direct you to some sources where you can get more in-depth information.

To get the best possible heat efficiency out of your wood burning appliance, you need to burn well seasoned wood. But does it matter what kind of wood that you use? Most types of wood will burn very well in your unit if it is well seasoned (2 years is best) and dry. It is best to use hard woods like Oak and Ash if they are available, but most soft woods will also burn well. You can check with your local forest service to see if certain wood in your area is best not to be used as it might produce excessive creosote and cause chimney problems. The length of time that a wood fire will last and how much heat that it will produce is mostly dependent on the design of the appliance. Most types of wood produce the same BTU’s of heat per pound, so it is a matter of how fast you burn up the wood in the appliance that dictates how hot the unit will be and how much heat is produced. Of course your hardwoods will last longer and produce less ash that most soft woods.

Ok, my wood has been well seasoned by the sun but how do I know that the moisture level is right? Do I have to go out and get equipment that will check the moisture level or is there another way?

No, you don’t have to get a degree in wood testing and you don’t have to spend money on sophisticated equipment. Sound judgment and proper storage of your wood supply will assure that you will always have dry wood to burn. When purchasing wood always ask the wood supplier to verify that the wood has been seasoned for a year or preferably two and that it has been kept covered. Wood that is open to the elements will start rotting from the bottom of the pile until all of your wood is wet and rotting. Make sure that the wood is off of the ground by piling it on top of planks or wood pallets so that the air can circulate underneath it. Cover the top and sides of the wood but allow some air movement so that moisture will not collect under the covering.

No matter how well you store your wood it will have gained a little moisture by fall. It is good to uncover your wood pile toward fall on those nice sunny windy days and let the wind dry out the summer humidity. Be sure to cover it back up though before it rains. It usually takes a month of freezing temperatures though before fall wood is going to burn well.

The trick is to be patient in the fall when you are first starting to burn. Leave the damper on the appliance open a little more than usual, and you might have to leave the door slightly open for the first ½ hour or so until the wood gets burning really hot. Use a good supply of kindling wood to start the fire and build small pieces of wood on top. Your fire will be going in no time.

For more information on wood burning appliances, how to operate your appliance and important videos go to wood burning stoves and fireplaces on MagnumHeat.com . A great source to purchase a video on wood burning practices is the National Heath, Patio & Barbecue Association website www.hpba.org where you can purchase your copy of BURN WISE, a video guide to operating your Wood Stove efficiently.