Early last fall I replaced my old firebox (burnt-out cat stove with no cat) with a soapstone EPA stove. I use no other heat, and the ranch-style house is 2400 sq ft. I don't mind it a little chilly. But I could not get that thing up over 400 degrees. In fact, I had trouble getting it going good at all. I turned to this forum, searched and read, tried things.
Thanks to the Fire Gods, Pyro Kings, Archdukes of Ash, Overlords of Oak! I got a cheap moisture meter as you recommended, and guess what? the wood was too wet. I could burn anything (sweet gum, anyone?) in the old firebox, but the EPA stoves are more like thoroughbreds--gotta have seasoned. As you recommended, I chopped the stacked cords I had into "kitchen splits" and moved it from under the tarp to the front porch (a week's worth), then brought in a days-worth at a time to dry out further. It worked!
Again on your recommendation, I got a stove thermometer, which takes a lot of the fear out of temps too low or too high. I also learned on this forum about the EPA stoves' liking for cycling -- letting the house get a little cool before stuffing it full of wood again. That has solved the coals problem.
I haven't posted much on the forum because I was a learner. But I wanted to just say thanks. I'm warm and happy, and love my new stove. Absolutely could NOT have done it without y'all.
casey
Thanks to the Fire Gods, Pyro Kings, Archdukes of Ash, Overlords of Oak! I got a cheap moisture meter as you recommended, and guess what? the wood was too wet. I could burn anything (sweet gum, anyone?) in the old firebox, but the EPA stoves are more like thoroughbreds--gotta have seasoned. As you recommended, I chopped the stacked cords I had into "kitchen splits" and moved it from under the tarp to the front porch (a week's worth), then brought in a days-worth at a time to dry out further. It worked!
Again on your recommendation, I got a stove thermometer, which takes a lot of the fear out of temps too low or too high. I also learned on this forum about the EPA stoves' liking for cycling -- letting the house get a little cool before stuffing it full of wood again. That has solved the coals problem.
I haven't posted much on the forum because I was a learner. But I wanted to just say thanks. I'm warm and happy, and love my new stove. Absolutely could NOT have done it without y'all.
casey