I do need to replace the door seal I'm sure.

The CO carbon monoxide come from slow burning dampered down stove where the gas excapes out of the cracks etc. as the stoves cool down there can be back-pressure in the chimney and air flows down especially with barametric pressure changes outside.

For every 3 percent drop in moisture in wood you have a 10% more heat return.( the flames are hotter and you don't have to boil off water)

I have been a little disappointed in my Jotul. The air supply system doesn't seem to work properly. There is plenty of draft as shown by how it pulls and roars if I open the ash pan gate, but I have to burn full open on the combustion air supply (even with additional vent holes drilled), and it never seems to supply any air to the upper combustion air manifold. Even on wide open the temp won't get above 450 degrees burning dry black locust.

This stove replaced a Jotul insert that came with the house. I wanted something free standing, larger, and not dependent on electricity. The insert didn't have the air supply issues and the upper manifold often looked like a gas oven burner, something the free standing never does. Regardless, it heats our house, just not as designed. At my age getting up a couple of times every night is normal. Adding wood to the stove and letting it burn on high is not a problem, but I wish it worked as designed.

Ya know...............the first year I had mine I sort of felt the same way. Then just by chance I had the draft set at the mid point...can't remember why. The stove ran much better there and put out a lot more heat. I think because it had more time to build coals rather than ash. I run it at half draft all the time now except at night, when I shut it all the way down. What model is it Ed ? Is it a catalytic ?

I like burning dogwood when I can find it. I like to burn a mix of green and seasoned wood. I have had the same problem with old dried out firewood. Aluminum cans are supposed to help with creosote buildup.

Don't burn green wood!
Nuff said!