Not my checking account but my chimney. I have suspected for a long time I might be able to improve the performance of my stove if I slowed the draft. Today I installed a damper right above the stove and I am able to operate with it fully closed. I like what I see. I no longer have a whistling sound through the throttle plate and the fire actually got hotter quicker from a restart. Before I had so much draft the fire would get blown out if I shut the door too soon when adding new fuel. No I get nice lazy clouds and not the fierce flames I had before. Also I used to run my throttle plate completely closed, and on the Elm that means totally closed, with only a little air getting in from the edges of the plate. Now I can run the plate 1/4-1/2 open.
I've read about people opening the primary first, then opening the door slowly to avoid bringing smoke into the room. I have always been able to rip the door open during any phase of the burn cycle and never get a wisp of smoke. And the draft being what it is may have been why I was able to operate my previous 8" outlet stove on my 6" chimney without a problem. Anyway seeing what effect the draft has played on my situation I wonder how many people have draft issues that are affecting the performance of their stoves and don't realize it.
I've read about people opening the primary first, then opening the door slowly to avoid bringing smoke into the room. I have always been able to rip the door open during any phase of the burn cycle and never get a wisp of smoke. And the draft being what it is may have been why I was able to operate my previous 8" outlet stove on my 6" chimney without a problem. Anyway seeing what effect the draft has played on my situation I wonder how many people have draft issues that are affecting the performance of their stoves and don't realize it.
