I bought a used 24jc last year. I just lined the chimney with an 8" insulated liner and hooked up the stove inside the fireplace. I started my first fire today. I had some seasoned oak logs that has been in the house for over 3 years so it should be very dry!! Tossed in a few logs and got it started. Opened the exit damper and the air inlet (I know theres a correct name for these) until the logs got to burning. I then closed the exit and logs started having a hard time burning. Opened it back up and cracked the door open and got it going strong again. Tossed in a couple more small logs, closed the door after a few minutes, and it started roaring. I closed the inlet but didnt seem to choke down the fire any, which worried me. It started getting hot and could smell it getting hot. After 20 minutes or so the logs then went away from being all roaring flames and are good red logs.
I have a 1100sq ft rancher, so small. Its currently reading 84F on the heat pump thermostat which is in the living room with the stove. I'm hoping to get the heat to the bedrooms which is another subject.
BUT: Any advice on getting this started? What could I do better? This IS a catalytic stove so should I get the wood roaring to get the catalytic up to temp, the close the exit damper? I dont have a thermometer anywhere on the stove so I dont know my temps.
And what about the air let. When I closed it nothing really happened.Could not choke the flame . Could there be a problem with it or is it getting air from somewhere else?
I have a 1100sq ft rancher, so small. Its currently reading 84F on the heat pump thermostat which is in the living room with the stove. I'm hoping to get the heat to the bedrooms which is another subject.
BUT: Any advice on getting this started? What could I do better? This IS a catalytic stove so should I get the wood roaring to get the catalytic up to temp, the close the exit damper? I dont have a thermometer anywhere on the stove so I dont know my temps.
And what about the air let. When I closed it nothing really happened.Could not choke the flame . Could there be a problem with it or is it getting air from somewhere else?