Over the past few months (and late last burning season), I have been using a Heritage for my 1800 SF old drafty log cabin. When it gets cold (below 20), I have in the past had to cram wood in every 2 - 3 hours to keep the house above 62 F. I also had found that, in order to keep the chimney from overheating (above 800 F with probe thermometer), I had to pretty much shut primary air all the way - otherwise, the chimney temp would climb fast.
After reading some others' experiences with the stove, I decided something might be wrong. I borrowed a draft gauge from the dealer, and check draft when chimney temps were high - I found that draft was approaching the maximum 0.1" WC stated in the manual. Unfortunately, the gauge didn't appear to be too accurate - when I switched to the high range on the gauge, it would read 0.05" (vs. 0.09" on the low range). This was enough for me to suspect too much draft, though.
I started using a flue damper once I get the stove/chimney up to temp, and it is making a HUGE difference. Not only is the wood buring much longer, but I am getting much more complete and consistent secondary combustion. I am actually closing the flue damper to horizontal (100% of it's capability) and shut air control to about 1/2 inch open. The stove is now keeping the house above 60 F all day when the temps are in the 20s/30s and I'm at work (about 11 hours) - heat pump hasn't come on for about 5 days now. Also, to keep it really cozy, I am only having to reload every 4-6 hours now - it got down to 14 F last night.
Just thought some of you other folks might have something new to consider if you have been getting burn times shorter than what you's expect. I guess "don't blame it all on a drafty house".
After reading some others' experiences with the stove, I decided something might be wrong. I borrowed a draft gauge from the dealer, and check draft when chimney temps were high - I found that draft was approaching the maximum 0.1" WC stated in the manual. Unfortunately, the gauge didn't appear to be too accurate - when I switched to the high range on the gauge, it would read 0.05" (vs. 0.09" on the low range). This was enough for me to suspect too much draft, though.
I started using a flue damper once I get the stove/chimney up to temp, and it is making a HUGE difference. Not only is the wood buring much longer, but I am getting much more complete and consistent secondary combustion. I am actually closing the flue damper to horizontal (100% of it's capability) and shut air control to about 1/2 inch open. The stove is now keeping the house above 60 F all day when the temps are in the 20s/30s and I'm at work (about 11 hours) - heat pump hasn't come on for about 5 days now. Also, to keep it really cozy, I am only having to reload every 4-6 hours now - it got down to 14 F last night.
Just thought some of you other folks might have something new to consider if you have been getting burn times shorter than what you's expect. I guess "don't blame it all on a drafty house".
