I was at a showroom Saturday and this is what I was told about the simmer setting on the Thermador ... there are multiple adjustments to the simmer setting. The highest simmer does not tick. As you adjust the simmer down, that's when the ticking comes into play. The setting of the simmer determines how often the burner shuts itself off and then turns itself on again, which causes it to tick, tick, tick as it re-lights. There are a number of seconds between each re-lighting, and depending on which simmer hash-mark you have the burner set to, the time between the tickings will be more or less. The reasoning, according to the rep, is to prevent scorching, even if left unattended for a long time. So, if you don't want it to tick, set the burner to the highest simmer. If you don't care if it ticks, you can adjust it lower and lower yet.

Others may have better suggestions. To update your sound. Windows XP Start - control panel - open system icon - Hardware Tab - Device manager - Click the plus sign for sound and video. Right click your sound (whatever your using) - properties - update drivers - and follow the directions. You will need the CD that came with your computer. See if your sound has been stopped in Services Under Windows Audio. Start - Control Panel - Open Administrative Tools - Click Services and Scrowl down the list to Windows Audio to see if it says - Started. If stopped Left click Windows Audio and click restart. - Or Right click Windows Audio - left click Properties - Left click Start. While in Services check to see if Plug and Play is Started.

It's probably the metal expanding and nothing to worry about much but there's a chance that some of the sounds are from falling creosote particles from the lower flue temperature. By Heritage, I am assuming you mean a Hearthstone Heritage, nice stove, but 325 is pretty low for your flue temperature if you're using a magnetic type thermometer. I used to have a Hearthstone Phoenix and cruising temperature on that was between 400 and 500 for most of the burn. How far up the pipe is your thermometer from the stove flue collar? It might read lower if more than 2 feet above.

I had mouse holes under the sink- little jerks were squeezing in the smallest space where the pipes came in. and also the water line to the fridge- you name it- I went around the house with a can of great stuff like a woman on a mission. found over 20 places- and sealed them ALL up. Then, one day- 3 more mice. They had gotten in from under the trailer, through the oven plug. Pulled out oven, sealed that hole, and problem was solved. We only had to stay there a few months- but I learned that the great stuff really works. just find every nook and cranny you can, especially on the inside. I read that the diameter of a pencil is large enough to fit through. Also, steel wool. they won't chew through it.