Just getting to know my new wood stove. I had an old Jotul # 3. With the Jotul I would keep the burn indicator thermometer between 450 and 550. We recently moved and in the new house where I have a Vermont Castings Encore. This stove is a very different animal from my Jotul. The owners manual for the Encore says an efficient burn is between 500 and 700. That would have left my Jotul glowing and seems a little to hot to me. I am new to this stove and am just figuring out its quirks and the nuances of the draft in my new house. Will I get a better burn from higher burn temps?
Also I had an issue with back puffing as I backed the stove off last night for bed. I spent half hour backing down the air intake but at some point the flames in fire box slowed then whoosh ignited sending smoke out from under the Encore's griddle. I opened damper and gave it a little more air and it went away. I am guessing it was caused by user error. After a little research it seems like this can be a problem with the Encore. I never had any issues like that with my Jotul or with the Stoves I had in the past. My question is are the newer EPA designs more prone to this and what can I do to keep it from happening. Thanks.
Also I had an issue with back puffing as I backed the stove off last night for bed. I spent half hour backing down the air intake but at some point the flames in fire box slowed then whoosh ignited sending smoke out from under the Encore's griddle. I opened damper and gave it a little more air and it went away. I am guessing it was caused by user error. After a little research it seems like this can be a problem with the Encore. I never had any issues like that with my Jotul or with the Stoves I had in the past. My question is are the newer EPA designs more prone to this and what can I do to keep it from happening. Thanks.