Hampton HI-300 Auxiliary Air Hole

[jophysx]

I've seen mention of an extra "always open" air port on modern EPA stoves , not part of the air control system. This prevents you from shutting the air down too far and getting incomplete combustion. In my case I have very strong draft and I would like a little more control to shut the air down further. I am always fiddling with the pushrod right at the very edge of being completely closed. I feel like I would have better control overall if I blocked the extra air port by 50% or so. I've read of people doing that on this forum.

My question is, where is that air port on my Hampton HI-300. I think I found it as shown by the arrow in the attached picture. Just wanted to confirm.

Thanks,
-Jim

 

[jophysx]

One more related question: That port is not "routed" to feed the secondary burn tubes in any way, is it? It looks like it's just a hole drilled in the side and goes into the same plenum area as the main air control. But I suppose there could be some internal tubing or something that I can't see.

-Jim

 

[chazcarr]

I've asked this question before and got this answer:

Pull the fan off the bottom front (if you have it). On the right side you will see a rectangular hole about 3x2. You will have to get real low and look inside this hole and you will see another hole almost directly across from the adjustable vent lever. Plug it anyway you can. I suggest a refrigerator magnet. Plugging the hole makes no difference in operation, at least on my stove.
When pushing the fan asm back on make sure it is pushed all the way back so the thermal disk makes good contact with the body of the stove. Good luck.

 

[jophysx]

Doesn't sound exactly like what I showed in the picture, but it is directly across from the control rod. Maybe some small difference between the Hampton and Regency.
-Jim

 

[chazcarr]

Doesn't sound exactly like what I showed in the picture, but it is directly across from the control rod. Maybe some small difference between the Hampton and Regency.
-Jim

I was also shown this website(broken link removed to http://inveninc.com/SmartStoveForum/index.php?topic=19.0)
That shows what it looks like at the air control/intake part of the Hampton

 

[velvetfoot]

I've got a tall chimney but don't have problems controlling the draft. I wonder if your gasket seal is okay? Passes dollar bill test?