Too Much Air?

South of Boston:

The easiest way to make sure that an efficient flame is achieved is to understand the characteristics of the fire.
• A tall, lazy flame with dark orange tips, requires more air – Open slider (pull out) slightly.
• A short, brisk flame, like a blowtorch, has too much air – Close slider (push in) slightly.
• If the flame is in the middle of these two characteristics with a bright yellow/orange, active flame with no black tips then the air is set for proper operation

The above is from the EF2 manual. However, the difference between an active flame and a "brisk" flame like a blow torch could be hard to distinguish. What the manual refers to as a brisk flame like a blow torch, I usually describe as fierce blow torch flame. And in that case the flame is probably short as described. Another way to judge is to have the air turned up to where the pellets just start to move or bounce around. After you have made your adjustment, then you can use the film on the glass as an indicator like "krooser" details. Also keep an eye on the exhaust to see if you see any smoke coming out your pipe. There should be no smoke or only a tiny bit ocassionally.

codebum:
in my case turning the air up to where the pellets just start to move applies to softwood. using hardwood pellets, turning the air up to that point gives a short bright yellow flame and less heat.
i like using the film on the glass as an indicator even though this setting produces some clinkers and doesnt always clear the airholes in the firepot


lopi yankee

Burn the pellets up faster. Waste heat.

timinct said:

Burn the pellets up faster. Waste heat.

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I agree. Plus, if you are running on a lower heat setting, there is a chance the pellets will burn up so fast, that you could actually "blow the fire out" (no burning pellets/embers left to ignite the new pellets).

RetireBob:

in my case turning the air up to where the pellets just start to move applies to softwood. using hardwood pellets, turning the air up to that point gives a short bright yellow flame and less heat.

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That recommendation is stove dependent. I don't even have that capability on my stove as it is automated. It sounds as though "South of Boston" currently has a good burn. "TimInCt" is correct in his statement. The biggest issue with burning with too much air is the pellets burn up faster. As for using the film on the glass, well...I pay attention to the color of the film on my glass but I also pay attention to how fast it films up. In my case it can take days with good pellets.