Does This Make Sense

The daily high is around 55-62 while lows dip to about 35-40. Would it make sense to light the stove at night and then just let it burn out during the day? Is it a hassle to re-light an automatic stoker. I have a Channing 3 from Alaska. Also, has anyone tried putting a rheostat on the vent motor that controls the exhaust flow on a direct vent. Thanks in advance.

I start mine in late November or when its in the upper 30's for highs over a course of 3 or 4 days in a row. Otherwise my insert blows us out of the house!!! I have natural gas so the transition back from the coal stove is an easy one.

I didn't want to either, but we lit ours 2 weeks ago, I just have it backed down as far as it will go, we just open a door or window if needed when it gets warmer.....our nights have been getting down 20's - 30's now!

I ran mine for almost a week, it had been 26 at nights. Yesterday & last night it was 70 during the day & 62 at night. It was 86 in the house, so I unplugged it.

I've run it for single nights before without it being too much work. I just use Matchlite charcoal to start it up again.

I often light a coal fire in the early evening and allow it to burn out overnight. Yes, it is a hassle for most, ( not me, sort of keeps me in practice! ) and I will waste a 1/2 dozen oak blocks I use to build a bed of wood coals as starter material, but I can warm the house rather than use the heat pumps.

Keep in mind, I have a hand fired unit, so somewhat of a different animal than a stoker unit.

Cap,

I've used the Matchlite charcoal to start my hand fired unit many times, try it sometime, I'll bet you never go back to using wood again.

George--

If I never have to use wood again, what am I going to do with the wall full of oak 4x4 blocks in my basement?