We are probably not all that unlike many here at the forum, who's lives revolve around the stove during the heating season.
The stoves are so intertwined into the daily activities that they are almost part of the family it would seem
First rights in the morning are to check the hoppers and fill as needed, (the shells don't roll down well and need to be watched closer than pellets)
The Little Whit is a tad fussy about it's fire pot and the early morning rights also require a shut down of the fuel feed and running the blower/draft fan on high to burn out the pot, then quickly pop the door open and "Swish" the pot with a putty knife to remove excess ash and clinker, leaving enough coals to rekindle the fire.
Turn things back on and GITTYUPGO.
The fire will relight in a few seconds after a couple drops of fuel.
Every 3 days or so of 24/7 running the little dude is going to need the ashes removed and window cleared.
The vent gets sucked out every second or third cleaning.
The big Whit is not as maintenance heavy, but weekly will get ashes cleared and bi weekly get a leaf blower suck job.
The shells require a bit more work, in that we have to scoop them from barrels, screen them into 5 gallon pails, then carry them upstairs.
Not quite as easy as them "PURDY" sacked pellets, but far cheaper.
Life around here revolves around the stoves, keeping them full, clean and running 24/7
I would imagine that to many folks this entire process would leave them aghast, but it's just part of life here at the ranch.
Summer is far different, as we revert to more modern tech and let the AC run on the T STAT and just kick back.
Snowy
