Lots of coals

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bruns333

bruns333

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Jun 9, 2009
12
OH
We have noticed that many times when we get up in the morning our insert has a large quantity of coals that are golf ball size. They are black and the firebox can get so full of them we have to scoop them out. Is this because of we are burning wrong? Bad wood? Just the nature of the beast? Mixture of woods; some ash, some walnut, some white oak, and some maple. It seems like the ash produces a lot of coals. The walnut seems to burn away to just light ash. Any thoughts?

matt
 
Based on my experience, and other answers here to similar questions, that's probably normal. Folks have recommended raking all the coals to the front and opening up the air to burn them off more quickly. I've been doing that (with a new split on top at front) and it helps; once the coal bed gets back down a bit, I go back to burning as normal... I've never scooped them out; kind of seems like a waste of fuel...
 
The type of wood and burn method are the two biggest factors. Assuming that you can maintain safe temps - consider giving the stove a little more primary air than you normally would. More oxygen = more combustion.

EDIT: and as far as other ideas - do a quick search on this site. Tons of ideas and info have been thrown at this issue.
 
Common issue. I've found that the black coals are usually from wood that wasn't perfectly dried to begin with. But even dried wood will leave lots of coals if the air is set low especially from an overnight burn. I think the next step in wood stove evolution is to have a thermostatically controlled air duct which would help to burn down coals.
 
Its the nature of the beast with slow, overnight burns. Pull them to the front of the stove and open the air intake up, they'll burn. I've been using mine in my bbq grill. Not something you'd likely do in the morning but if you have a pile building up before dinner you now know what to do with them.
 
ICY99 said:
I think the next step in wood stove evolution is to have a thermostatically controlled air duct which would help to burn down coals.
Click to expand...

Already been done on the older VC stoves.

Matt
 
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