Hello, new to the forums, though I have been browsing for a few months. Bought a new house in late summer, and it came with what I believe is an Appalachian Gemini XLB (no instruction manual passed onto us with the sale of the house). I believe the stove was put in when the house was built around 20 years ago. I have no experience with wood stoves prior to this house, but I have come to the conclusion that the previous owners likely did not perform appropriate maintenance given the state of the stove when we moved in. I had a sweep come to clean the chimney, they stated that if we would have tried to start a fire the entire house would have likely filled with smoke.
I have been burning intermittently so far this season, and have tried to clean out the catalyst (I honestly think it is the original catalyst) with a vacuum to keep it at least minimally clean. However, I noticed it did have very significant clogging the last time I looked at it and am currently trying to remove the catalysts in order to clean them until I can order a new one. Hence, the reason for my post. Does anyone know how to get the catalyst out of this type of stove? Pictures are below. I have taken off the flame shield, but cannot get the catalyst/damper housing off in order to get the catalyst out. I have tried loosening the damper tabs, but still not success. any ideas?
I have been burning intermittently so far this season, and have tried to clean out the catalyst (I honestly think it is the original catalyst) with a vacuum to keep it at least minimally clean. However, I noticed it did have very significant clogging the last time I looked at it and am currently trying to remove the catalysts in order to clean them until I can order a new one. Hence, the reason for my post. Does anyone know how to get the catalyst out of this type of stove? Pictures are below. I have taken off the flame shield, but cannot get the catalyst/damper housing off in order to get the catalyst out. I have tried loosening the damper tabs, but still not success. any ideas?