This is my first season running a wood stove. I have used them in the past, but only when at other cabins. Generally speaking, given that the stove is running 24/7 during the 40 degree and under season (4 months), what should be the approach when someone can babysit the stove versus the overnight?
I imagine there is not much variation to long burn times; load it with large logs, reduce the air and let'r run...... Currently I load around midnight and wake to a couple inches of red coals at 6 am. It is usually a bit cooler in the house at that point, so I start adding a couple split logs 3+ inches squared. I open the air up and check the stove in a couple of hours. It is usually ready for a couple more logs at that point. I still do not have a stove thermometer, and if the brain would just click today, I will get one, but have no idea of stove temps yet.
I guess the main question is for daily hotter stove temps. Is it best to have fewer logs burning quicker/hotter, or more logs burning longer at lower temps?
I imagine there is not much variation to long burn times; load it with large logs, reduce the air and let'r run...... Currently I load around midnight and wake to a couple inches of red coals at 6 am. It is usually a bit cooler in the house at that point, so I start adding a couple split logs 3+ inches squared. I open the air up and check the stove in a couple of hours. It is usually ready for a couple more logs at that point. I still do not have a stove thermometer, and if the brain would just click today, I will get one, but have no idea of stove temps yet.
I guess the main question is for daily hotter stove temps. Is it best to have fewer logs burning quicker/hotter, or more logs burning longer at lower temps?