This is my 7th winter running my empyre (aspen) OWB and somehow I have learned how to run it. I struggled the first two years and took notes
every night on how i loaded it and what problems I had. It was always something. So far this has been a really good winter. I think the keys are:
1) letting the fire burn down all the way and not mixing the coals and ashes to much.
2) I push a thin rod down the two front slots from time to time to keep that clean.
3) I use good clean and dry split wood. I mix big pieces with little ones and a couple round ones as well. 24" long.
4) I also spray marvels mystery oil into my fan when it starts to stick.
5) I do not use the flapper kit on my blower anymore.
6) My water temp is set for 183 degrees.
I live in Maine and this has been our coldest February on record and I still get almost 12 hours burn time on one load. This includes
my hot water. I started running this boiler at Christmas and I have used about 3.5 cords of wood thus far. My house is 3100 sq feet
plus my full basement is above 70 degrees as well. I plan on using another 3 cords from now through may 1st. That would be a
total of 6.5 cords for 4 months. That would be 1.6 cords per month or .4 cords per week. This is more than the last few years
but it has been colder as well.