Dampner or no dampner?

[BAllen83]

So first here are the details of my set up.....I have an older sierra free standing stove that sits on my hearth and vents up my masonry chimney via a 6" liner. My overall liner run is about 15'. There are two knobs on stove door to control the air intake but this thing is a drafting monster. Question is should I install an in line dampner to help control the burns and get longer burn times?

 

[Nick Mystic]

I can't see enough detail in the photo of your stove in your avatar to make out where your controls are and how they might work. I take it this is a pre-EPA era stove and the two knobs your referring to are just things you turn with your hand to open or close to control how much air gets into the stove. If that is the case you should be able to dial down on these knobs and virtually reduce your air intake to the point that the fire smolders (not that you'd want to burn this way). If you can't do this, then you might need to make some adjustments or maintenance to these knobs to get them working better. I've never used a stove pipe damper, so I can't comment on whether or not it would accomplish what you want it to. I understand how they theoretically work; I'm just not familiar with your particular stove and whether that would be the best fix for your concern.

 

[BAllen83]

You are correct sir. The knobs on the door do turn with hands to regulate air intake. If I turn the knobs all the way close it will smolder fire out (which I never do). I they to keep them cracked about 1/4 the way open durring burning and open all the wat when starting from cold start. Only thing is is that after wood becomes fully engulfed with knobs half open the fire will try to run away on you. And if I close the knobs it will choke the fire out after a bit. Just didn't know if I had a stove pipe dampner in if I could keep tose knobs at a set position and then control the draft with the dampner if i would be gaining anything or not.

 

[Nick Mystic]

Maybe you should try adjusting those knobs more slowly and with smaller increments. I've had the same air controls on two different stoves I've owned and by being patient and paying close attention I could usually dial in a nice burn. The key is to make the adjustments in small increments and then give the fire time to adjust to the new setting. For instance, once the fire is going strong close down the knobs half way and then wait 5 or 10 minutes to see the effect before making another adjustment. If the fire is still burning too strong then make another small adjustment and wait again. I find tuning an air supply is much like steering a huge ship. You make your turn on the steering wheel, but it takes a mile for the ship to start turning because it is so large. Same with the fire adjustment process. Make your change in small steps and then wait and watch before the next adjustment. Good Luck.

 

[BAllen83]

Thanks for the advice Nick. Will be doing this from now on...now the thing is to get the wife to understand this (city girl turned redneck) lol!

 

[binko]

We have a Progress Hybrid.
I installed a damper just to have one if needed. They cost next to nothing, looks are inconspicuous and are really easy to install.
You can have one in in less time than it takes to read these posts.
Just do it

 

[KodiakII]

Same with my PE. There if I need it!