bee_2102 said:
lbcynya said:
Haha, do you realize you said it doesn't seem to throw as much heat on Stove temp, but it used less pellets. No magic, less heat means less pellets.
Stove temp will only give you the perception of using less pellets if the weather swing is conducive to Stove temp - In other words, if the weather goes from cold to colder, stove temp will allow the house to cool thus using "less pellets". Now, if the weather goes from cold to warm, Stove temp will tend to overheat the room and waste pellets, even though useage is similar. Either scenario, pellet usage will vary because the stove temp will work harder when it cools down since it's trying to maintain a constant ESP temp. So each variable has its own set of variables... Clear as mud, huh.
Room temp will handle the swings without overcooling or overheating the room. If the stove is running fine, heat loss of your house and specific pellet BTU content will determine pellet usage by the stove. The efficiency of the stove won't change much either way. Like I said, no majic. The ESP control really is amazing. It will even account for extra cooling/heating of the heat exchanger with the distribution fan speed you select.
You really seem to know a lot about these stoves, so I appreciate all your input and advice. I ran on stove temp 4 during the day when we were at work to just maintain temp. I knew that it was going to get cooler overnight and bumped up the setting to 5. It really didn't seem to help at all. Like I stated, I am trying to keep the upstairs warm along with the basement. I took the room sensing probe out from underneath the air intake and put it away from the stove. Do you think I would be better off just running on Room Temp then? Also, I know that my installer didn't record the low/high draft upon install. Is that something I should have him come back and do or don't you feel as it would be necessary? He just ran a chimney liner 25 ft up the chimney. No OAK or insulation. Thanks again for all your help.
I've noticed that when you run on stove temp the farther you turn the dial the less the temperature increases proportionately. So I dial change from 3 to 4 has a greater impact on temperature then and I'll change from 4 to 5. I think they do this to prevent people from turning the temperature too high and overheating the space when they're not home. Since you are trying to heat 2 levels with a space heater, it's hard for me to tell you exactly the best way to run your stove, I can only help you understand the differences between each setting. You'll need to experiment with the settings to see what's best. Ironically, my stove is in the basement as well. However, my goal is not to drive a lot of heat upstairs since I have a wood stove up there. If it helps, I only run my stove on room temp ignitor switch set to manual. I keep my basement temperature at 72 degrees 24/7 and I burn about 1 bag a day for 1200 square feet, lower level only.
Relative to draft, is your flame really pointy and angry or is it more like a traditional fire? This is best determined during a medium burn. If it is angry, then you might need to restrict the air intake by covering about 1/3rd with aluminum tape. If this makes the flames less angry but not lazy ben your draft might be a little high. My stove seems to burn clean with the air intake covered at 50 percent. You can use your hands to cover the air intake and see how the flame changes as you cover more or less of the air intake. You want a vibrant flame but not an angry flame nor do you want see what looks like black tips on the flames which would indicate a dirty burn.
