Regency I3100L - Why does owners manual say don't burn with draft fully closed down and fan on?

[davidmsem]

Regency I3100L - Why does owners manual say don't burn with the draft fully closed and the fan on?

Temperature cruises at 400 to 425, sometimes higher, when this is done, so I'm curious as to why. Any ideas?

 

[BrotherBart]

What it says is not to use the blower with the draft completely closed. The reason is that the stove will run too cool and smolder the load.

 

[davidmsem]

What it says is not to use the blower with the draft completely closed. The reason is that the stove will run too cool and smolder the load.

Thank you.....this thing still drafts steadily with the draft closed. I wonder if that is because of the insulation around the unit, above the block plate (9.5"), insulated flue and 16" insulation at the top?

I leave the fan set to auto, low. She cruises nicely up to 550 like this with the draft closed.

 

[BrotherBart]

I would leave the blower on "auto". That way it will come on when the stove is hot enough and shut off when it isn't.

 

[bens_igloo]

The blower really moves a lot of the hot air away from the insert and into the room, especially when it's on high. Usually I can't close the draft control all the way down when the blower is on high. I end up leaving it about 1/4 to 1/3 open and that's perfect.

That's with well seasoned firewood and a good draft.

Hope that helps

 

[BrotherBart]

Sounds like you are doing it like they say to. They say at least 1/2" open with the blower running. I am missing the problem here.

 

[davidmsem]

I would leave the blower on "auto". That way it will come on when the stove is hot enough and shut off when it isn't.

I'm leaving it on "auto/low". Thank you.

 

[davidmsem]

Sounds like you are doing it like they say to. They say at least 1/2" open with the blower running. I am missing the problem here.

I can run with the fan low and the draft fully closed and it cruises around 500 (tonight) for a long time, and the burn is complete, does not choke out. So I'm wondering why they tell me not to do that. Sorry if I was confusing.

 

[jatoxico]

They write these manuals for the masses, they don't know you're gonna come here and get edjumacated!

 

[davidmsem]

They write these manuals for the masses, they don't know you're gonna come here and get edjumacated!

This site has been great for me! I was looking for plans for a woodshed a few months ago for my conventional fireplace, and here I am now a burner! The bride needed convincing, but she came around.

 

[jatoxico]

This site has been great for me! I was looking for plans for a woodshed a few months ago for my conventional fireplace, and here I am now a burner! The bride needed convincing, but she came around.

Warmth of the fire seems to have that effect.

 

[KB007]

I'm thinking they do that so those who burn less than seasoned wood may not have as much build up. I run ours with the blower on low 24X7 and the draft fully closed once the load is going good. I did have more build up the first year as our wood was only 9 months C/S/S.

 

[davidmsem]

I'm thinking they do that so those who burn less than seasoned wood may not have as much build up. I run ours with the blower on low 24X7 and the draft fully closed once the load is going good. I did have more build up the first year as our wood was only 9 months C/S/S.

Thank you......this makes feel better. Can I ask when do you close yours down?

 

[KB007]

I usually close down when the front temps are around 425-450 on an accurate magnetic thermometer. I know it's accurate as I have a magnetic thermocouple that I have calibrated it to and also an IR gun. To "calibrate" the magnetic you just bend the spring in whichever direction it needs to go to read more accurately (then re-check with IR to make sure it's right). If you're not sure of your wood (try to get a moisture meter if you can) or if you get creosote build up on the glass with it closed all the way, try leaving it open 1/4", then 1/2" to see if the issue goes away. If it does, it's probably less than seasoned wood.

With good wood, it can get hot quite fast. I noticed that diff between the first year (not real well seasoned) and the following years (2 yrs seasoned). Now it can go from hot re-load to 450 in a matter of 15 minutes or less. Good, seasoned wood is so important.