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[jackh113]

So this is my first winter with the new BL 2840.  I've had it fired up for about 3 weeks now with a very low load.  Temps have been in the 50-60's during the day and 40's at night.  Looks like winter is finally setting in this week though, highs in the 40's and lows in the 30's.

I've been getting good burns with very coal or ash until the past few days.  Now I have a pretty good size bed of coals (about 8" deep or so).  Is it better to have a good bed of coals or not?  Can you have too much?

Also, I still have the factory settings on the aquastat.  Considering turning it up to 190-ish with a 10 deg diff based on what I've read on here.  Would that make a difference?

Thanks guys.

[slimjim]

As long as the coal bed is not so thick that the air can't get up through them, you are fine, to reduce the coal bed, simply put less wood in and let the coals burn down to an ash and discard them, some raking of the coals may be required to stir the coals a bit, Please do turn it up, it will burn better and deliver more heat to your home!

[Sloppy_Snood]

As long as the coal bed is not so thick that the air can't get up through them, you are fine, to reduce the coal bed, simply put less wood in and let the coals burn down to an ash and discard them, some raking of the coals may be required to stir the coals a bit, Please do turn it up, it will burn better and deliver more heat to your home!

... or actuate the shaker grate. 

[jackh113]

... or actuate the shaker grate. 

Yeah......Kicking myself for not getting that option now.  lol.

Thanks slimjim.  Didn't figure it was a problem but wanted to make sure.  I stir it well every time I load and it seems to be getting good airflow.  Was wondering if it would help with recovery time and heat retention.  Thought I had read somewhere that it was ideal to maintain a coal bed in the stove.