Two newbie questions

[colophoto]

Hi all,
I've got an insert and my new Ir thermometer came the other day. If I point at the glass with a fairly well established fire I get about 500-580. No clue how emissivity effects that reading. Measuring the metal in various spots its only ever 300ish. I'm finding it hard to figure out how to measure? Is there a wired thermometer that would attach to the flue and then string through the cover plate to let me know the temp there? Other ideas on getting to know temps?
On an unrelated note, what do you all do when you're done with a fire? Today got unexpectedly warm. Is it better/cleaner to open the air up and let it burn out faster? Our state ag publication says a smoldering burnis the worst for chimneys/ pollution. Seems like opening it up and hurrying up to burnout would be best, no?

Thanks as always!
Mark

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Hi all,
I've got an insert and my new Ir thermometer came the other day. If I point at the glass with a fairly well established fire I get about 500-580. No clue how emissivity effects that reading. Measuring the metal in various spots its only ever 300ish. I'm finding it hard to figure out how to measure? Is there a wired thermometer that would attach to the flue and then string through the cover plate to let me know the temp there? Other ideas on getting to know temps?
On an unrelated note, what do you all do when you're done with a fire? Today got unexpectedly warm. Is it better/cleaner to open the air up and let it burn out faster? Our state ag publication says a smoldering burnis the worst for chimneys/ pollution. Seems like opening it up and hurrying up to burnout would be best, no?

Thanks as always!
Mark

1) That was at least 6 questions

2) Your thermometer won't tell you much about emissions/pollution.

3) If you want to know what your stove is doing go outside and look at the outfall of your chimney. If you see a bunch of smoke you are not burning clean. If you see very little or no smoke you are burning clean.

4) The easiest way to burn clean is to burn DRY wood.

5) The best way to dry wood is the same way you'd dry anything else: get it off the ground(pallets), get it covered(woodshed), leave it as open to air as possible

6) I take no special care when letting my fire burn out

 

[begreen]

What stove/insert is this Mike? Can you add this to your signature line? You too Big Redd.

It sounds like you are running cool. Reading off the glass is not usually accurate. Try on the front face of the insert to the upper right or left of the door corners.

 

[colophoto]

Insert in question is vermont castings Montpilier. Updated the sig. Thanks.

 

[Stateguy]

Mine is exactly doing what yours is i wish i can tell you it is right i am not sure.
And my house isnt that warm neither(has to do with lay out of the house i think)
Also if its very cold outside it harder to maintain a good temp
You also have to heat the house for a day or so if you burn not everyday the house desnt get a chance to warm up

 

[kennyp2339]

Due IR guns work when you point it at glass?

 

[firefighterjake]

Due IR guns work when you point it at glass?

No.

 

[kennyp2339]

No.

I knew the answer lol, just wanted to get people thinking, its one of the first things you learn in interior structure firefighting.