2025/26 VC performance discussion thread

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We had our first fire this morning. Slept with the windows open house was on the chilly side at 56 degrees.

I did open up the stove last month and did a thorough cleaning. I took down the stovepipe inside and checked the double wall. I removed the top portion of the stove and checked the tightness of the bolts holding the damper housing. Did a complete cleaning. I didn't clean the stove after I cleaned the stove pipe this past spring.

Stove ran well from what little wood was put in it. The stovepipe got just warm enough to get the cat engaged. Cat temperature peaked at a little.over 800 which I thought was good the this time of year

Sat with the wife for a period of time and enjoyed her company
[Hearth.com] 2025/26 VC performance discussion thread
[Hearth.com] 2025/26 VC performance discussion thread
 
Today was definitely a chilly one this morning and if it was Saturday I definitely would’ve lit the stove up as well!
 
Note to self, don't wait for the first frost to clean the stove! 28 this morning and 55 in the house! So I spent the first part of the morning cleaning out the stove. Once the frost was off the roof, I got up there and took off of the stainless cap, wire brushed that and then spun the cleaner brush down the pipe. Got it all back together before lunch. Now it's ready for the next frosty morning!
 
All,

If you own a newer catalytic Defiant / Encore (after 2010) I am interested in your stack design and how clean it runs. See my thread in the main forum link below.

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/should-i-insulate-my-liner.208090/

Would appreciate If you could respond to that thread and tell me:
  • General description: single / double wall, insulated, exterior or liner, height, diameter
  • How much wood you burn
  • How much stuff you get out when you clean
  • Any draft issues
Thanks....