Air Control Question

I was under the impression that leaving the air control open was sending too much heat up the stack. I know it allows more air in and creates a higher rate of combustion prior to secondaries, but does that air being open more during start-up / re-load actually send heat up the stack versus closing down the control sooner?

Yes..but you have to heat things up!

More air is needed to start a fire or reload to bring the stove to a certain temp then you start adjusting it.

So it does use more fuel, but is necessary for a good burn. Like accelerating a car to merge onto the highway?

I think you nailed it.

Right. Also don't forget that on reloads as well as starting a cold stove, lots of moisture goes up the chimney at the start of the fire so the extra draft is good to send that out into outer space.

i never knew that. makes sense though.