I always clean ash away from the dog house and make a tunnel through the ash on reloads to let air get under the splits. The stove cooled off enough today that I pulled the primary air cover to see if there was ash built up down on the slide. The Jotul Castine has two holes on the dog house to let prmary air into the firebox. When I pulled the cover, the left hole was blocked with a chunk of gray charcoal. A quick flick and it was all set. A quick inspection is all it took.
Well, yes, Jon. The dog house needs cleaning just like your house. Thanks for posting as this may help some others.
I didn't even know my stove had a doghouse for the first year or so. Keeping it open makes a big difference. I can't get inside the doghouse to see if it is clean, I can only make sure the single air hole is clear. During a good fire I sometimes can see a jet of flame coming from the doghouse, and that is how I know it is still working well.
