I purchased a new Lopi Declaration wood-burning fireplace insert and had it installed by a competent company. I have a 28' chimney with a 6" SS liner that is insulated and connected directly to the stove by screws and also insulated and sealed.
The first problem I have is that the stove rarely goes over 200-250 degrees, even with very dry wood. I've been burning oak and osage orange with a moisture content between 6 & 12% as measured by a moisture meter. I have good draft and no problem sustaining a fire but it just levels out at 200 degrees even with the fan off. I've tried it with the window open and closed (I have a pretty tight house but there seems to be adequate draft with the windows closed and the bypass damper closed).
The second problem I have is that when it is hot enough to close the draft control down to encourage secondary burning the carbon monoxide detector goes off. This only happens when the air control is pulled out to reduce the amount of air going into the unit. I can see the secondary combustion flames (which I want) but then I get the CO alarm so I can't use it this way.
I've had the installation reinspected and there are no obvious problems. The chimney flue is clean and clear, the connection to the stove is tight and clear. I'm wondering how the CO can get from the stove into the room with the doors shut and the unit sealed, and it seems as if it is coming through the vent with the hot air being blown into the room.
Any ideas or suggestions?
The first problem I have is that the stove rarely goes over 200-250 degrees, even with very dry wood. I've been burning oak and osage orange with a moisture content between 6 & 12% as measured by a moisture meter. I have good draft and no problem sustaining a fire but it just levels out at 200 degrees even with the fan off. I've tried it with the window open and closed (I have a pretty tight house but there seems to be adequate draft with the windows closed and the bypass damper closed).
The second problem I have is that when it is hot enough to close the draft control down to encourage secondary burning the carbon monoxide detector goes off. This only happens when the air control is pulled out to reduce the amount of air going into the unit. I can see the secondary combustion flames (which I want) but then I get the CO alarm so I can't use it this way.
I've had the installation reinspected and there are no obvious problems. The chimney flue is clean and clear, the connection to the stove is tight and clear. I'm wondering how the CO can get from the stove into the room with the doors shut and the unit sealed, and it seems as if it is coming through the vent with the hot air being blown into the room.
Any ideas or suggestions?