8
Operating Instructions
8. What can cause a poor draft?
The most common factors for poor draft are:
a) Air supply
b) Environmental conditions
c) Cold chimney temperature
d) Poor chimney installation and maintenance
e) Atmospheric pressure
a) Air supply – Inside the home, normal household appliances such as clothes dryers and forced-air
furnaces compete for air, resulting in air starvation to the fire. This creates a condition in the house
known as negative pressure. When a house experiences negative pressure, the combustion gases
can be drawn from the chimney and into the house. This condition is commonly referred to as down
drafting. Increased amounts of insulation, vinyl windows, extra caulking in various places and door
seals can all keep heat in but may also make a home too airtight. An easy way to stop negative
pressure in a home is to crack a window in the room containing the stove.
b) Environmental Conditions - High trees, low-lying house location such as in a valley, tall buildings or
structures surrounding your house and windy conditions can cause poor draft or down drafting.
c) Cold Chimney Temperature - Avoid cold chimney temperatures by burning a hot fire for the first fifteen
to forty minutes, being careful not to over-fire the stove. If any part of the chimney or parts of the
stove starts to glow, you are over-firing the stove. Where possible, install a temperature gauge on the
chimney so temperature drops can be seen.
d) Chimney Installation and Maintenance - Avoid using too many elbows or long horizontal runs or height
of your chimney. If in doubt, contact a chimney expert and/or chimney manufacturer for help. Clean
chimney, rain caps and especially spark arrestor regularly, to prevent creosote build-up, which will
significantly reduce chimney draw and possibly a chimney fire.
9. Should I close or open the air control fully when shutting down the stove?
When shutting down the stove, fully open the air control. This allows the chimney temperatures to
remain as high as possible for as long as possible. Cold chimney temperatures create creosote.
Note: These instructions are intended as an aid and do not supercede any local, provincial or state
requirements. Check with officials or authorities having jurisdiction in your area.
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