When is it time to add wood?

[nwctjeff]

Newbie question here so bear with me. I understand the theory of letting the wood completely burn to coals before adding more wood to the firebox, but it seems as though the fan starts cycling while there are still very large chunks still glowing strong. This is after approx. 5 hours. I have been spreading the coals evenly and reloading at this point. Is this the correct way to do it or should I be waiting even longer before adding more wood? Does this sound like an average burn time cycle with this medium sized insert or can I be doing something differently. I am using a mixture of oak, maple, and ash splits for wood. The air control lever is probably 95% closed. Thanks for any input or suggestions.

 

[crazy_dan]

If you are not fighting red hot coals then you are doing it right. IE having to shovel red hot coals out of the fire box to add more wood.

 

[jebatty]

Generally I add wood as needed, early, middle, end of burn, to maintain the output temperature needed to warm the house to the desired temperature.

I always maintain a moderately high burn, as long as the wood load will sustain that, to minimize creosote formation and smoke. The exception being, and if coals build up, I will rake the coals forward, maybe a couple of very small splits added, to burn up or reduce the coals before refiring the stove with a full load. I can't say that I never have done it, but it is exceptionally rare to ever accumulate so many coals that hot coals need to be removed from the stove.

 

[mainemac]

I agree that removing red hot coals is not an ideal way to keep the heat
I think trying to keep the temperature even means you cannot let it burn down to minimal embers but there has to be a balance in there
between the extreme of no embers and removing red hot embers.

Tom

 

[mainemac]

Our Canadian friends have put out a video that you might find helpful, eh?

http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/default.asp?lang=En&n=8011CD70-1

Tom

 

[nwctjeff]

Mainemac, thanks for the video link. I saw that last year when I was considering a stove. It certainly was worth watching again. Six hours this time and getting ready for another load of wood. Life is good!

 

[acesover]

nice video thanks, does anyone burn east west for longer overnight burns ? then burn north south during the day?

 

[bdog]

Great video, Thanks!!

 

[crazy_dan]

I only burn n/s as it is the easiest way to load wood. Open door toss in wood close door.