Blower setting question for an Insert

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HappyCamperMan

HappyCamperMan

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Aug 28, 2015
42
Massachusetts
Does the speed (low, medium, or high) of the blower setting affect the temperature of the insert? In other words, is it better to run the fan on low versus high to avoid drawing the heat out of the stove and cooling it down and to keep a more constant temperature in the insert? Of course, running the fan on high will warm a room quicker but I'm wondering what the best operation is for a longer burn? Does it even matter?

P.S. I posted this in the wrong forum and just moved it here (if you've read it already....you're not losing your mind!)
 
I do notice a difference. When I close the primary air more then half way I avoid the high setting on the blowers.
 
Your liable to get answers all over the board on this one and it may depend on the stove type (flush vs extended). I run mine on low. IMO the fan is supposed to move heated air from the insert jacket and not act like a forced air furnace. I know that I can cool my stove very quickly by running the fan on high, completely defeating the purpose of a radiant heater. (plus it's loud).
 
rwhite said:
Your liable to get answers all over the board on this one and it may depend on the stove type (flush vs extended). I run mine on low. IMO the fan is supposed to move heated air from the insert jacket and not act like a forced air furnace. I know that I can cool my stove very quickly by running the fan on high, completely defeating the purpose of a radiant heater. (plus it's loud).
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have an insert that is installed flush (can be brought out but would need a hearth extension or something for the floor because of clearances).
 
Running the fan on my bk insert does cut my burn times down. I don't really have a need for it unless I want a quick warm up. I read about having an insert that stuck out to help maximize your heat output which was one of my deciding factors for buying the bk. All that said though if you need the heat you gotta do what you gotta do.
 
I would just add that you do not want to run the fan on high when you are trying to get the stove hot. A hotter stove will burn more efficiently and quickly. A fan on high will lower the temperature of the stove. The instructions on mine say to put the fan on low if the combustion air inlet is on low. So for a longer burn that probably means a fan setting of low.
 
My manual says the efficiency is improved with the fan on during medium and high burns. I read that as it doesn't help much, especially with a block off plate. I leave it on low for most of the burn and then turn it off in the coaling stages.

I'm still learning how to best operate the insert. Yesterday I tried my first full load of 2 year wood. I saw temperatures I wasn't entirely comfortable with. I kept playing with the primary air intake and not having much luck for about ten to fifteen minutes when I finally said to myself "Hey dummy - turn the fan on high".
 
I used to run fan on my flushed insert full bore. Now I have it run on low it works better for me. Stove stays hot longer and I don't see much difference in room temp.
 
I run my fan on low unless the stove gets a bit too hot for my liking, the fan will help cool it back down, so the answer is yes to your question, the fan does affect the operating temperature. Since you have a tube reburner your burn cycle is a big curve, low / high / low, you will only want to run on faster speeds during peak burn times. Some inserts actually came with variable snap discs where it would kick the fan on high depending on the temps, if you want something like that these days you will have to build it or buy a device like the Smart Stove.

Btw, have you insulated your fireplace yet?
 
mellow said:
I run my fan on low unless the stove gets a bit too hot for my liking, the fan will help cool it back down, so the answer is yes to your question, the fan does affect the operating temperature. Since you have a tube reburner your burn cycle is a big curve, low / high / low, you will only want to run on faster speeds during peak burn times. Some inserts actually came with variable snap discs where it would kick the fan on high depending on the temps, if you want something like that these days you will have to build it or buy a device like the Smart Stove.

Btw, have you insulated your fireplace yet?
Click to expand...

Thanks, what do you mean insulate your fireplace?
 
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