Hi all,
it's been about a month (maybe 8-12 fires) with my Vermont castings Montpelier. I'm burning pine and some scraps of russian olive (when I think no one will hate me for the smell). Overall I'm not sure if I'm still doing things right or not. As a rule I'm not seeing smoke out the stack - just heat waves. Much of my wood doesn't seem to be too terribly seasoned BUT when I warm up pieces in the house, then split them and then measure I'm mostly getting in the 10-12% moisture range - some sound right when hit together many make more of a dull thunk.
I believe the insert is rated for over 1500sq feet. the reality of our layout is that it has an open plan kitchen/dining/living area that totals around 900sq feet. seems like it should be a breeze to heat. I'm not expecting it to get down the hall and into the bedrooms. we've got one drafty door across the room, but mostly we're well insulated (blew in 20" of insulation in the roof myself).
Here's my concern - last night was pretty typical, high 20's outside, minimal wind. I started the fire and had reloaded twice before I felt like the fireplace was really contributing to the heat. it's nice and cozy right in front of it sitting on the floor, but 15 feet away and the room is still pretty chilly. I've never once thought "wow, getting toasty in here, I should scale back"
when I put the IR gun at the door I get 380ish, sometimes after all day we get closer to 450. The blower will usually kick on 3/4 of the way through the first load.
I know I'm burning a lower BTU wood, but I'm curious if it should really be several loads before we get any noticeable warmth? how long does it take you to get a larger room warm? dos my experience seem like it should to you more experienced folks?
thanks for your ideas!
mark
it's been about a month (maybe 8-12 fires) with my Vermont castings Montpelier. I'm burning pine and some scraps of russian olive (when I think no one will hate me for the smell). Overall I'm not sure if I'm still doing things right or not. As a rule I'm not seeing smoke out the stack - just heat waves. Much of my wood doesn't seem to be too terribly seasoned BUT when I warm up pieces in the house, then split them and then measure I'm mostly getting in the 10-12% moisture range - some sound right when hit together many make more of a dull thunk.
I believe the insert is rated for over 1500sq feet. the reality of our layout is that it has an open plan kitchen/dining/living area that totals around 900sq feet. seems like it should be a breeze to heat. I'm not expecting it to get down the hall and into the bedrooms. we've got one drafty door across the room, but mostly we're well insulated (blew in 20" of insulation in the roof myself).
Here's my concern - last night was pretty typical, high 20's outside, minimal wind. I started the fire and had reloaded twice before I felt like the fireplace was really contributing to the heat. it's nice and cozy right in front of it sitting on the floor, but 15 feet away and the room is still pretty chilly. I've never once thought "wow, getting toasty in here, I should scale back"
when I put the IR gun at the door I get 380ish, sometimes after all day we get closer to 450. The blower will usually kick on 3/4 of the way through the first load.
I know I'm burning a lower BTU wood, but I'm curious if it should really be several loads before we get any noticeable warmth? how long does it take you to get a larger room warm? dos my experience seem like it should to you more experienced folks?
thanks for your ideas!
mark
