How to best operate Encore Flexburn (damper and airflow)

[Phillyman]

HI,

Thanks to previous guidance on these forums, we bought the Encore Flexburn. It was just fired up for the first time.
I read the manual and sadly am still a tad confused.
Hopefully you can give me some tips and more importantly DO NOTs!

Here is how I understood the instructions
The first fire is lit and going well with airflow full open and damper fully opened. Over the last hour I've added a couple logs from time to time. My plan is to hold off on "filling" the box to the top so that it does not get too hot.

Once an ember bed is established I would close airflow to High Efficiency mode AND at the same time close the damper (around 450F according to stove thermometer PLUS check the catalytic sensor in back) ?
Each time I add wood I would move both levers to their open positions and then close them once done reloading?

My main confusion is when do I NOT use both levers simultaneously.

Also I got the optional firescreen and wondered how my lever operation might change if I leave the screen in place and as such the doors open versus doors closed. With the doors open do I not even operate the levers?

Finally for my first couple of burns it seems like I would NOT engage the catalytic converter since it was recommended to not go above 450 (I assume to prime the stove)

Thank you for your expertise and time.

Phillyman

 

[John B]

I have run many Encores (although none have the newer flexburn system) and we would always open the damper and primary air before opening the box to reload. This is for two reasons, one to protect the cat from a rush of cool air and two to prevent smoke spillage into the room. I would assume the same is true for the flexburn.

In regards to the screen, I had one but used it once or twice. We found we enjoyed the stove more when it was closed up and cranking out heat.

 

[Dobish]

HI,

Thanks to previous guidance on these forums, we bought the Encore Flexburn. It was just fired up for the first time.
I read the manual and sadly am still a tad confused.
Hopefully you can give me some tips and more importantly DO NOTs!

Here is how I understood the instructions
The first fire is lit and going well with airflow full open and damper fully opened. Over the last hour I've added a couple logs from time to time. My plan is to hold off on "filling" the box to the top so that it does not get too hot.

Once an ember bed is established I would close airflow to High Efficiency mode AND at the same time close the damper (around 450F according to stove thermometer PLUS check the catalytic sensor in back) ?
Each time I add wood I would move both levers to their open positions and then close them once done reloading?

My main confusion is when do I NOT use both levers simultaneously.

Also I got the optional firescreen and wondered how my lever operation might change if I leave the screen in place and as such the doors open versus doors closed. With the doors open do I not even operate the levers?

Finally for my first couple of burns it seems like I would NOT engage the catalytic converter since it was recommended to not go above 450 (I assume to prime the stove)

Thank you for your expertise and time.

Phillyman

Use the search feature and find the threads about the 2040. Lots of good info out there.

Basically, you will have a learning curve of burning. After your break in fires, then you end up with another pile of factors.

I made a flow chart here: http://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/...urning-wood-in-your-stove-a-flowchart.157888/

The 2018/2019 VC thread is here: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/2018-19-vc-owners-thread.169911/

here are a few:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/posts/2291588/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/posts/2291619/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/posts/2257768/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/posts/2117917/

https://www.hearth.com/talk/posts/2116685/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/posts/1858474/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/posts/1830199/

 

[Dobish]

oh, and get a moisture meter to check the moisture, and an Auber Instruments AT100 with the 6" Long 4mm OD High Temp Thermocouple probe (WRNK-191) with the spade connector).

and a stove pipe thermometer.

 

[Phillyman]

I look forward to reading the different threads , I already found the flowchart helpful. I appreciate it. I got a stove top thermometer from the company that sold me the stove. Are stove pipe thermometers better?

Thank you for the advice,

Philly

 

[Dobish]

I look forward to reading the different threads , I already found the flowchart helpful. I appreciate it. I got a stove top thermometer from the company that sold me the stove. Are stove pipe thermometers better?

Thank you for the advice,

Philly

it depends on what type of stove pipe you have. A double wall pipe will need a thermometer. The catalyst probe (auber AT100) is probably my most effective tool.

 

[John B]

On an Encore the owners manual says to measure temperature at the center of the top loading door with a stovetop thermometer. That's how I've always done it with mine.