Hi All-- So we're in the spring shoulder season right now, and I'm really not sure how to run my stove this time of year! I want to run it "cooler" so that the house doesn't overheat, but I've also read that you are supposed to have an "active" fire to protect against creoset.
When I run the fire with little fuel (say 1-2 logs at a time) and keep it dampened down to 3/4, it keeps the house at just the right temp, and I add a log or two when the last logs are almost disintegrated (and give it a couple puffs of air to help it catch). BUUUUUT, I have no active flames, just logs that gradually shrink into coals (no smoke though, either in the box, or when I check out the chimney outside). Is this ok?
I've read some posts saying you should build the hot fire, then just let it go out. Then build a new hot fire, then let it go out, and repeat all day. But, a) oh my, that is so tedious, eats up my kindling supply, and keeps the house cycling between HOT/COLD instead of a steady temp. It's not the end of the world, but if I can avoid burning that way, I'd rather =P
Here's a pic of how my logs typically look, damper at 3/4 (and I'll let them burn another hr or so from that point before adding another one, and open the damper for the first 15min or so of that logs burn).
Mmmm, never mind, I have a pic, but I'm not sure how to add it (says awaiting mod approval, so maybe I can add it later).
Anyways, how do YOU burn on warmer but still chilly days so you don't overheat the house, but protect your stove and flu? =)
When I run the fire with little fuel (say 1-2 logs at a time) and keep it dampened down to 3/4, it keeps the house at just the right temp, and I add a log or two when the last logs are almost disintegrated (and give it a couple puffs of air to help it catch). BUUUUUT, I have no active flames, just logs that gradually shrink into coals (no smoke though, either in the box, or when I check out the chimney outside). Is this ok?
I've read some posts saying you should build the hot fire, then just let it go out. Then build a new hot fire, then let it go out, and repeat all day. But, a) oh my, that is so tedious, eats up my kindling supply, and keeps the house cycling between HOT/COLD instead of a steady temp. It's not the end of the world, but if I can avoid burning that way, I'd rather =P
Here's a pic of how my logs typically look, damper at 3/4 (and I'll let them burn another hr or so from that point before adding another one, and open the damper for the first 15min or so of that logs burn).
Mmmm, never mind, I have a pic, but I'm not sure how to add it (says awaiting mod approval, so maybe I can add it later).
Anyways, how do YOU burn on warmer but still chilly days so you don't overheat the house, but protect your stove and flu? =)