Hello all!
Every time I search for help related to my insert, I always find myself looking at information from this forum. So, I thought I should register, and ask here directly!
My family burnt wood every winter as I was growing up. My fiancé's parents burn wood constantly during the winter. My fiancé's grandparents burned wood every winter (using the insert that we now own). And in every one of these examples, the heat was intense, room filling, and at times had you sweating as the snows fell. I assumed I would have similar experience with my insert.
But for some reason, I just can't get much heat (or consistent burning) from this insert. I know the insert worked very well at my fiancé's grandparents house, so I'm assuming something must be wrong with how it's installed, or how I'm using it.
House: built in 1950's
Chimney: located on outside of house, extends several feet beyond peak of roof
insert: Avalon 990
installation: direct vent to flue w/ 4' flex hose & block off plate, chimney damper removed
wood: 1 year seasoned hardwood
The insert only seems to be able to produce a comfortable heat within a 15 foot radius, and then it gets noticeably colder. Heat production is much better when the glass door is open, and I've been tempted to leave it open for long periods of time (though that seems like a bad idea!).
I also can't seem to find any sort of consistency with regard to keeping a fire going. Some days it's easy, others it's a day-long challenge. I can't pin down any reason for this.
So... any pointers? trouble shooting? obvious issues? other info needed?
I appreciate any/all help!
Thanks!
-Matt
Every time I search for help related to my insert, I always find myself looking at information from this forum. So, I thought I should register, and ask here directly!
My family burnt wood every winter as I was growing up. My fiancé's parents burn wood constantly during the winter. My fiancé's grandparents burned wood every winter (using the insert that we now own). And in every one of these examples, the heat was intense, room filling, and at times had you sweating as the snows fell. I assumed I would have similar experience with my insert.
But for some reason, I just can't get much heat (or consistent burning) from this insert. I know the insert worked very well at my fiancé's grandparents house, so I'm assuming something must be wrong with how it's installed, or how I'm using it.
House: built in 1950's
Chimney: located on outside of house, extends several feet beyond peak of roof
insert: Avalon 990
installation: direct vent to flue w/ 4' flex hose & block off plate, chimney damper removed
wood: 1 year seasoned hardwood
The insert only seems to be able to produce a comfortable heat within a 15 foot radius, and then it gets noticeably colder. Heat production is much better when the glass door is open, and I've been tempted to leave it open for long periods of time (though that seems like a bad idea!).
I also can't seem to find any sort of consistency with regard to keeping a fire going. Some days it's easy, others it's a day-long challenge. I can't pin down any reason for this.
So... any pointers? trouble shooting? obvious issues? other info needed?
I appreciate any/all help!
Thanks!
-Matt
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