C.B. 5036 here, having run mine for the 4th season now, I have found the optimum setting for me to be at is 160-170 range unless we get prolonged below zero weather. It seems that I get the best burn time(fill in a.m. and evening only) and not using alot of wood. It took me awhile after I installed mine because I had to rethink how I cut and split the wood for the burner and also now I have wood that is better seasoned, hence why I am into the 4th season befroe coming to these conclusions. I turn it down to 150-160 range in the summer for the DHW and only fill PARTIALLY once every other day. I still go to the furnace in the a.m. and the p.m. and stir things up. Good luck with yours!