FPX 44 - Internal Or External Air?

[Snakebit12]

I have been pretty happy with my 44. Burn times (ignition to blower shutoff) generally exceed 6 hours and will probably improve as I use more seasoned wood. Burning through alot of wood (as warned).

But I do have a "burning" question:

I am currently pulling in outside air for heating. I have noted that it takes longer for the magnetic thermometer to reach 350° - 400° when we hit single digits (like recently) than when it is, say, in the 20's. It would seem to make sense that the cold air is cooling the firebox as t comes through to be heated.

So, I am considering re-routing the fan to pull in inside air. I would think that this would increase the heat output but I would lose the posi-pressure effect. I use a ceiling fan to disperse the heat currently.

To the other 44 owners, are you pulling in internal or external air? And why?

 

[begreen]

This was a question I brought up about the posi-pressure system a few years back. It seems inherent in the design. I would consider ducting the blower intake to a far end of the house. That will act as a return pulling warm air from the fireplace toward that area. This should help keep home temps even. The duct should be sized according to the distance to keep internal air resistance reasonable.

 

[Richie]

I have a 44 that pulls from the outside as well. We had -20 with windchill and have not noticed a difference in blower operation as far as when it kicks in. I am burning 5 year seasoned straight loads of locust. Not sure if that makes a difference.

 

[webby3650]

I have a 44 that pulls from the outside as well. We had -20 with windchill and have not noticed a difference in blower operation as far as when it kicks in. I am burning 5 year seasoned straight loads of locust. Not sure if that makes a difference.

Wood quality plays a huge role in FPX performance!

 

[Richie]

Yeah, I load three times a day. At 6 am, 2pm, and 10pm. The stove room is about 77 degrees while the kitchen area which is next to the stove room was staying about 72. So all in all I have been getting 8 hour burn time however I am burning hotter. My air setting is about in the middle. That is my only gripe about the 44 which is how imprecise the air setting is.

 

[Isaiah53]

I am still running mine on attic air, because the dealer recommended it and I am satisfied with the performance. The only other potential negative I can think of to using inside air is that I am pretty sure at least some of the blower air is directed into the firebox, if only because the blower is automatically shutdown when you open the doors. Not sure how much it is, but if you change that to inside air you will be drawing cold outside air into your house somewhere to make-up for what the blower is putting into the firebox.

 

[Snakebit12]

Thanks for the feedback.

Sounds like I am simply dealing with a wood quality issue.