Welcome to the forum Michael. Good looking install and it sounds as if you have some decent wood. I will add that any sizzling at all means the wood is not ideal. In our house we won't burn oak until it has been split and stacked for 3 years. But then, all of our wood is split and stacked for 3 years or more. Many times we burn 6-7 years old wood and it works great.
Dry wood means you burn less and get more heat. In addition, no creosote problems.
As a new burner I'll second the notion that you should check that chimney monthly. If it needs cleaning; do not put it off. After a few years you'll find you need to clean less and less because you'll know your stove and your fuel.
Dry wood means you burn less and get more heat. In addition, no creosote problems.
As a new burner I'll second the notion that you should check that chimney monthly. If it needs cleaning; do not put it off. After a few years you'll find you need to clean less and less because you'll know your stove and your fuel.
