New Installation

Hello All,
I'm waiting for delivery of an Alaska Channing 3 stoker. It will go in the family room of a 2500 sq. ft. home and be vented to a 33-ft. masonry chimney. I understand that I will need a baro damper, but wonder if there is any reason I should install a manual damper in addition?

The stove comes with an "Auto Heat Control" and I am wondering what is the difference/advantage compared to the Coal-Trol I am reading about on the forum?

Speaking of the forum, I can see that it will be a great resource for me as I try to avoid spending $4000-plus on propane in the coming winter.

As a "newbie" I'll welcome any advice in addition to responses to my questions.

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum Huntsburger and congratulations on your decision to save a boat load of money on energy costs.

I would not recommend a manual damper on a stoker stove, too many opportunities to cause a problem. I would recommend purchasing a manometer to measure your draft and verify proper operation.

On the subject of your Alaska auto heat control, you can look up Jpen's posts he switched from that to a Coal-Trol and loves it. I would recommend burning with yor current configuration for the first year and then decide based on the benefits of the Coal-Trol as compared to your operational needs.

Thanks for your response, Matthaus. Think I'll take your advice and postpone the Coal-Trol until I've had a season of experience with the Channing 3 as-is. Besides, the "boat load" of savings won't come to port until next year since I'll be paying for the whole coal deal with them this year, as well as buying enough propane to take care of my domestic hot water and cooking needs. I also want some backup in case the fire goes out while I learn to run the Channing.

I don't recall ever looking forward to winter as much as I am this fall. Looks like my wife's feet should be warm all day for the first time in years!