tfdchief said:
For now, I run the insert on low if I’m in the room with the stove and on high otherwise, adjusting the damper to compensate. The manual states not to fully close the damper with the blower on but does not specifiy a difference between high and low.
So the HI200 has a damper? I have the H200 and it does not have a damper, nor do I remember any disccusion in the manual about when to use it relative to the fan speed. Or are you talking about the draft control? I have not had mine long enough to know for sure, but don't notice any apprciable loss of stove top temp when running the fan on high.
Damper or draft control - same function different name
The object is to control air flow through the fire box - neither control the draft (negative pressure developed by the chimney)
a draft control device installed in the exhaust side (damper) reduces negative pressure in the firebox by restricting flow out of the firebox but does nothing to restrict input
a draft control device installed in the intake side (draft control) increases negative pressure in the firebox by restricting flow into the firebox but does not restrict exhaust
By only controlling air flow by restricting input air, the firebox is ensured to be at negative pressure at all times insuring that any problems with firebox sealing do not lead to an exhaust leak within the home. Also, the secondary burn systems on these stoves require an unrestricted exhaust to work correctly.
As far as running the fan on high - there is a definite difference in the stove temp between low and high fan under otherwise similar conditions. To reach the same temperature on the door, I need to open the damper about a 1/4" - 3/8" with the fan on high versus low.
Aaron