Negative temps..How often do you load?

[FaithfulWoodsman]

I remember four years ago. I was no rookie to burning/stoves (hadnt burned since moving several yrs), but we decided to purchase the wood furnace in late fall (propane co, long story) and it was cold that winter. Didnt have much access to dead timber, just a few ash on my prop that really werent dry yet and supplement with a few bricks. We did ok above 25, but below and serious cold..........man that sucked. Chucking in wet ash by the barrel full and only getting subpar heat and the house was still cool. To anyone in a similar situation..........do what u can, hang in there, be careful and plan for next year(s). This thread makes me remember loading 6 times a day with bad wood and appreciate how sweet it is now........even with the increased consumption.

 

[D8Chumley]

^^^
I remember the same issues when I got my freebie Federal Airtight from the in-laws and what a struggle it was. Burning crappy wood as I split a dead standing ash, chimney fire, uneasy feelings about what and how I was doing and not wanting to jeopardize the house or worse... Thank the Lord I found this forum. It’s 10° outside right now and a comfortable 75° inside while I’m burning 3 year seasoned Ash and white oak. Life is good

 

[heavy hammer]

It seems like a lot of us start out the same way. Times and techniques change, places like this site are definitely helpful. Like u D8chumley started out on the wrong side of burning wood but now things are much better. 78 inside with outside temps in the single digits. We're burning locust three years plus right now and loving it!

 

[ohlongarm]

With these negative temps in Michigan, those 12-14 hour burns are long gone. Still have a bed of hot coals, but boiler has a hard time staying up past 175-180. Woke up and went out this morning after a 13 hour lapse in loading and was down to 138.

Generally every 10 to 12 hrs ,fits well in work schedule and I'm not into marathon burning when it's -15 below.House will drop to 71 ,72 on a 12 hour run in the extremes.

 

[coutufr]

I load it when I wake up, before going to bed and generaly once during the day or twice if I put softwood in