Summit Insert - Glorified Fireplace and Nothing More - Faulty Install?

[begreen]

I've been able to achieve overall great temperatures and have not used oil for our heating needs since temperatures started going down (thermostat is set to 40). Last night the temperature got down to 32 degrees but inside I was hovering at a consistent 71 degrees without issue. I actually had to turn down the fan and air control because the house was getting far too hot. At one point I had the house at 78 degrees and just couldn't take it anymore. The insert had made it's point. My house is a piece of cake to heat for this thing.

Any significant concerns about heating the house are basically gone. My focus will now be on making the house tighter.

This sounds more like colder temps are increasing draft and possibly not moisture in the firebrick. The wood still may be suspect if the glass is blackening.

 

[weatherguy]

It would be a good idea to get started on next years wood so you can be sure its well seasoned.

 

[oconnor]

It was mentioned, but OP, you didn't specifically answer the question. When you tested the ten pieces of wood, did you split them and immediately test the fresh exposed face of the log? Any other method of moisture metering is suspect.

 

[clemsonfor]

Yep if its too warm draft sucks.

But I bet its the wood. You can burn a lot of stuff in an open fireplace that will just smolder in a stove.

 

[JoeysDad]

Yep if its too warm draft sucks.

But I bet its the wood. You can burn a lot of stuff in an open fireplace that will just smolder in a stove.

Firewood seems to be doing well. I'm going to split some wood and test the moisture though for extra confirmation that the wood is dry enough.

I think I might be benefitting in yet another way from this insert - no loss of heat from the house up the chimney. I don't think the damper I had was very good, and I could sometimes see the firplace doors move with the draft - a clear indication the damper was insufficient. Now the house seems to stay at a good temperature even 12 hours after the fire has gone out with everything cool. It's another way this investment seems to be working out well.

 

[clemsonfor]

80% of your heat from a fireplace goes up the chimney while burning so yes weather burning or not an insert helps lots