Inside of firebox glowing?

[firebroad]

I have a PE Alderlea insert, and last night I decided to get down on the floor and investigate the elusive "secondaries" I hear so much about. While I was down there upside down, I noticed that the bar that holds up the baffle plate on the left side was gently glowing red. As I had only had the fire going for about 2 hours, I was surprised. The fire was not, in my opinion, roaring out of control. I cannot tell you the temperature, as i cannot access my stove pipe freely, the few times I have it has never been more than 370.

My wood is less than ideal, maybe about 22-25 moisture. I usually make sure the driest, about 18-20, goes on top (I am a top down burner). Occasionally I will put an eco brick on there to get it going if it seems like a cool fire, and I used one last night.

I burn evenings and weekends, as my stock of wood is not built up/seasoned enough yet.

Was the red glow normal? The box is a floating s/s inside cast iron.

 

[pen]

Things glowing inside the box is normal. It's when you see an external part of the stove glow that you need to be worried.

If you are splitting a piece of firewood, and measuring 22-25% on the freshly split face, then your wood sounds just fine to me.

pen

 

[begreen]

The eco block is acting like an accelerant. In a hot fire it is going to outgas quickly, particularly if it is the low-density type.

 

[firebroad]

Wow, that's good to know. Looks like most of that stuff will be alright, then!
But I still get a little bit to brown accumulating along the lower edge of the glass. Some Weiman's stove top cleaner wipes it off, but I have to clean it about every 3rd burn.

 

[begreen]

I suspect that the brown on the glass is because of the less seasoned wood on the bottom of the fire. If so, the brown should go away when the wood is well seasoned. Note that wood ash, on a damp paper towel is a good stove glass cleaner.

 

[firebroad]

I suspect that the brown on the glass is because of the less seasoned wood on the bottom of the fire. If so, the brown should go away when the wood is well seasoned. Note that wood ash, on a damp paper towel is a good stove glass cleaner.

That would certainly make sense. Thanks!!

 

[iceman]

When I have less than ideal wood I always try to leave the next load close enough to the stove so it gets warm... It usually goes from less than ideal to perrrrrfect!