Thanks folks and I have considered on adding an extension to the cellar stove as I would like to run it at a hotter temperature as it greatly reduces the load on the upstairs stove, the main heater in the house. Over night is never a problem as unfortunately I am never in bed longer than 6 hours and funneling is not a problem in that short duration even running the stove as hard as I have to during serious cold spells. LW your explanation is perfect for when I was heating with wood and did not get up to load the stove in the middle of the night. I get up once a night before waking in the morning almost every night but do not need to do anything with the pellet stove until morning which is what I love so much about burning pellets. If I am awake or semi-awake longer than it takes to get to the bathroom and back the wheels start turning and I am screwed as far as returning back to sleep just wont happen, had that happen 3 of the 5 nights this week including last night. Remember many a mornings where I woke up on really cold mornings single digits and or negative temps look over to see the Mrs. with covers over her head and her lowering them enough to get a few words out and clearly seeing her breath. Knew it was going to be a rough morning, but that could be avoided as long as I got up to feed the wood monster it was toasty in the morning. I did purchase a ton of Northern Max a while back which I stacked by itself so what I have been doing is mixing in a bag of those and LaCrete's into the six bags that fit into my pellet bin in the stove room. As it has warmed up I have not been burning any Matra's but will be soon again and mixing seems to have negated any funneling issues. Might have to pick up another ton of Northern Max to mix in if I get any more Matra's. Still want to look into adding an extension to the P43 will start doing some research and welcome any comments of experiences having added an extension to your stove. With a brief check I see there are options out there other than OEM Harman but don't want to mess around to save a few bucks, want something that will work very well and not have to worry about installation or operation. Thanks
I run a hopper extension. The hopper extension for a P68 or P61 adds another 50 lbs. of capacity. But you will have to lift the bag of pellets another 16" to 18" higher to fill at the top of the hopper extension. You might want to build one or two steps out of cinder blocks to walk up, as you stand beside the hopper.
I'm lazy... I have 2, 5 gallon pails... I put 20# in each, and fill my stove that way. I just find it easier than farting around with the flimsy bags........ I have no "accidents" that way. Also should say that my hopper is maybe closer to the back wall, than many have theirs.. Anyway... that's how I fill my hoppers......... Dan
I have a 1-step stool for the P43 and a 2-step stool for the P61a. Makes it easy to fill the hoppers. Since I use step stools for a lot of stuff, it works out well. I think I have a grand total of $35 in for the both of them. And they both fold up so I can just lean them against the wall during summer when I don't use them as much. Downstairs step stool is covered with paint splatters, hardened wall mud and probably other stuff too - I've had it since shortly after I bought this house and before I got any pellet stove.
A follow up. Some have had some issues with the pine pellets not sliding well. When my stove went out the other day, I vacuumed the hopper out, and gave it a good coat of wax, like I do periodically. I mentioned this earlier. I used some 100% white pine pellets, for the first time, and all but half a hand full made it to the auger....... Obviously, any stove make can have different results. But it is such an easy, free hack. Sand it some with 220 paper, and follow with car wax. Or maybe spray silicone... then just be sure to wipe it dry. It works on my cheapie Englander in the shop, and my Harman in the house.... Dan
I've never had an issue with funneling in my P61 but I don't have the options of trying a lot of different brands of pellets.
So last week I stopped in at a local dealer to see what he had for stock and had some conversation with him as he is a great guy. It was the old timer I am speaking of as I think its a father and son operation , he told me he used Pam and had for years. Says shut your stove down let it cool down spray the hopper with Pam give it time to dry and your good to go . I think I am gonna try it any thoughts, anyone try this ever ? He is an old timer and has been burning for many years and don't think he would steer me wrong.
Pam is oil, oil gets sticky especially after heating up and cooling off (yeah, it doesn't get "hot" but it does warm up). I personally wouldn't do that. I would spray it down with silicone if I were so inclined. But, I haven't tried either, and it's not my stove, so you are free to try what you want (I'll bet you're glad I gave you permission )
I've given my thoughts several times.... I get zero funneling. Let us know how the Pam works out. Dan
LMAO Thank you Bogie *Bows Politely* I am going to clean the P43 tomorrow and maybe give it a go, I have also had all the thoughts or opinions you mentioned but heh Lets get Luney he will try anything ! (Plenty of older folks here that might remember the Mikey cereal commercial .
Let us know how it works out - we may all learn something. For the record, I hope it works well for you
Will do, had the Mrs. pick some up yesterday as I don't think we have ever had any in the house but do remember Mom using it when I was a kid. Am concerned but worse case scenario Ill have to remove the pellets scrub the hopper and wax it but it is gonna be fricking cold all day today hmmm. And thank you I know you are supportive but could not help myself as humor is one of the things that keeps us sane and I can never get enough of it, hmm does this mean I am going insane ? Will post the results if I go ahead with it. Second thought now that the wind is Picking up and starting to howl there is no way I can shut down either stove especially the downstairs stove as this is pipe freezing weather and there are no outlets off the oil burner / air handler in the basement unless I disconnected something. For another day
wouldn't shut down anywhere on the East coast today unless u have a backup heating sorce... I did a major cleaning this weekend in prep for this eastern freeze period..
High of 2* today and windy as heck yessir it was all of a bit chilly today downright cold for us old folk in the hills. Poor stoves working double duty along with the oil burner and a few electric heaters thrown in .....
