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Circulation Fan Speed and Economy Mode

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  • Circulation Fan Speed and Economy Mode

    Hi everyone, I have a question about the circulation fan speed and economy mode. I know that when you run the heater in economy mode that it brings the temperature up 8 degrees instead of 4 and is supposed to be more efficient do to less frequent burn cycles. However, I was wondering if anybody has actually tested this "more efficient" statement? Second, when should the heater go into a medium or high burn setting? I feel like the 8 degree rise that is called for in economy mode would bump up the fan speed for at least some period of time, but to me it seems like it starts at the low setting and stays at the low setting all the way until the end. Is this normal or is my heater not functioning properly? I have a 2400 and right now it's usually only running once a day, in the morning, either on its own or because I temporarily bump it up to take the edge off. Typically, we keep the thermostat set at 58.

  • #2
    Economy Plus feature

    As Monitor states, the overall efficiency is increased by Decreasing electrical use during start up. Inefficient combustion is reduced during the start up and shut down portion of the cycle. The real savings is in component life over time due to less expansion and contraction. The stove does go to Low after a brief time and stays there through the rest of the cycle.

    I have used this feature on my M441 since 2004. I installed the stove in my house in 1996 and overhauled the chamber in 1999 and again in 2003. Both times the burner ring had to be replaced. The burner pot was warped in 2003. The baffle at the top of the chamber came off in 2003. Since 2004 when I put a new pot and chamber on I have used the Economy Plus feature. Just this year I took the chamber apart to look and found the ring and mat still serviceable. The baffle showed no sign of warping. I can not say I have saved any fuel over time, however not having to pull the unit down every three years has been great.

    The Economy Plus feature is really made for people that are off the electric grid. If you use alternative energy this feature is necessary. During the ignition part of the cycle the stove uses 318 Watts. On the Low portion of the cycle the stove only uses 45 watts. As can be seen the stove will use much less power running on Low.

    Tom

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    • #3
      Thanks Tom. I suspected the fuel savings to be minimal but the electrical portion makes sense. I am going to give it a try this year and see if my girlfriend notices any difference in the fuel bill as this is my first winter in the house. Although, replacing the crumbling burn mat, detached igniter heat shield, and fuel filter for the first time in 10 years may help a bit too I hope...

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