Why I have to leave damper half open

[noheatlikewoodheat]

Hello All,

I just had an Osburn 3500 insert installed the other day. Everything is going well, but I'm wondering why I have to leave the damper half open all the time in order for it to keep burning? I got a nice fire going for quite a while, but every time I turn damper low or closed completely the fire goes out. Let me know what you think...thanks!

 

[begreen]

This is a typical complaint with poor firewood. It's possible that the wood is not fully seasoned.

 

[noheatlikewoodheat]

This is a typical complaint with poor firewood. It's possible that the wood is not fully seasoned.

This has crossed my mind. This was the first year I didn't split myself due to an injury, and ordered it. I should throw a moisture meter on it...hopefully that is what it is. Thanks

 

[begreen]

When testing, be sure to resplit the wood lengthwise, in half so that the testing is done on the freshly exposed, interior face of the wood.

Another test would be to mix in some known dry wood like some 2x4 cutoffs. See if that perks up the fire a lot.

 

[NickW]

Let the chunk warm up for 24 hours first, then split it and test the fresh surface in several spots.

Depending on your draft strength that may be as far closed as you can go in your current weather conditions. It may/will change with temperature and wind changes.

For example... My current setup is a ZC fireplace with 19' of flue straight up with an outside air kit supplying combustion air. I rarely have the air control more than 3/4 closed (1/4 open). Warmer temperatures (30's) with low wind I'll often be running 1/2 open.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

One other thing it might be is a chimney issue. How tall is your chimney?

 

[stovelark]

If you are hitting good stove top temps, run the air control where it needs to be. BG is right though, wood may be ok, just not quite there.
is stove heat output good? If so, burn baby burn...

 

[Highbeam]

If you are hitting good stove top temps, run the air control where it needs to be. BG is right though, wood may be ok, just not quite there.
is stove heat output good? If so, burn baby burn...

I agree that it could just be the way the stove is. My 2013 noncat NC30 will not run at a closed intake setting. Snuffs the fire, which is actually a good thing since I would rather have that control.

Usually though, it's wet wood. You can also buy manufactured firewood that eliminates the moisture issue.

 

[begreen]

Osburns and Drolets tend to be easy breathers. They are not particularly draft fussy as a rule.