I have a 1986 VC Defiant Encore and after not getting decent burns or heat I took apart the stove and cleaned the chimney. I had drecent creasote build up and when I went to clean the cat it crumbled in my hands. It was only 2 years old and I usually burn 24/7 with 1 &1/2 year old split covered wood
To make matter worse I lost my job in Nov and money is very, very tight.
So I have a few questions.
1. Does anyone know of a cheaper place to buy a cat, for my stove, than this? $144 shipped is a tough pill to swallow at the moment.
http://catcombustor.mybisi.com/product/24165/25-X-13-Defiant-Encore-2550-and-2190-Canned_67594.html
2. In 23 years I have never run this stove without a cat. If I ran it without one and with regular chimney inspections could I get by for a season?
3. If I do run it without one should I place the empty steel band that surrounds the cat back in the refractory box or just run it wide open in the rear?
TIA and any advice is welcome
To make matter worse I lost my job in Nov and money is very, very tight.
So I have a few questions.
1. Does anyone know of a cheaper place to buy a cat, for my stove, than this? $144 shipped is a tough pill to swallow at the moment.
http://catcombustor.mybisi.com/product/24165/25-X-13-Defiant-Encore-2550-and-2190-Canned_67594.html
2. In 23 years I have never run this stove without a cat. If I ran it without one and with regular chimney inspections could I get by for a season?
3. If I do run it without one should I place the empty steel band that surrounds the cat back in the refractory box or just run it wide open in the rear?
TIA and any advice is welcome