HearthStone Equinox 8000, Owner'S Manual

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Troubleshooting
C
OMMON
I
SSUES
Virtually all woodstove operators experience basic
common problems at one time or another. Most are
correctable and generally require only a minor
adjustment of the stove, installation, or operating
technique. In cases where weather conditions
dramatically affect stove performance, the problems
are typically temporary and solve themselves once
the weather changes.
If you question whether your stove is producing
adequate heat, the best way to troubleshoot the
problem is to monitor the temperature of the chimney
connector (single wall) no more than 12 inches (30
cm) above the flue collar. A 400° F (200° C) single
wall stovepipe confirms the stove is supplying
sufficient heat. If you are using a double wall chimney
connector, measure the temperature at the flue
collar. Keep in mind that your house itself will
regulate room/house temperatures. How well the
walls, floors and ceilings are insulated, the number
and size of windows, the tightness of outside doors,
and the construction or style of your house (vaulted
ceilings or other open spaces which collect large
percentages of heat, ceiling fans, etc.) all are
determining factors of room temperature.
Your stove's performance is also dependant on its
installation. One common cause of poor performance
is an oversized chimney flue. Oversized chimney
flues result in decreased draft, which prevents the
smoke from rising out the chimney. Oversized flues
are also more difficult to heat effectively, especially
when burning a high efficiency stove. Cool flue
temperatures inhibit the establishment of a strong
draft (and encourage the accumulation of creosote).
The lack of a strong draft will cause the fire to die
down and may even force smoke to pour into the
room.
If your chimney is the proper size and a strong draft
is not easily established, there is the possibility that
the chimney is too cold. Again, warm/hot chimneys
promote stronger drafts. Briefly opening a window (in
the room containing the stove) during lighting may
help.
Other draft guidelines are as follows:
An "AIRTIGHT" HOUSE: The air supply (infiltration)
to the interior of the house may be inadequate if your
home is super-insulated or especially well sealed.
This phenomenon of air starvation within the building
is exacerbated if exhaust fans, such as clothes
dryers, bathroom fans or cook stove exhaust fans,
are in operation within the home. Outfitting your stove
with the optional outside air adaptor connected to an
air duct, which leads to the outside of the building,
can correct this problem.
TALL TREES OR BUILDINGS: These obstructions,
when located close to the top of the chimney can
cause chronic or occasional downdrafts. When
selecting a site for a new chimney, consider the
placement of other objects near the proposed
chimney location.
WIND VELOCITY: Generally, the stronger and
steadier a wind, the stronger (better) the draft.
However, "gusty" wind conditions can cause erratic
downdrafts. For consistent problems, consider a high
wind cap, such as the Vacu-Stack.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE: Chimney drafts are
typically sluggish on balmy, wet or muggy days (low
barometric pressure). This is a weather-related
phenomenon, which generally is self-correcting as
the weather changes.
BRISKNESS OF FIRE: The hotter the fire in your
stove, the hotter your chimney and, therefore, the
stronger the draft.
BREAKS IN THE VENTING SYSTEM: An unsealed
clean-out door at the bottom of the chimney, leaky
stovepipe joints, a poor stovepipe-to-thimble
connection, missing caps, or a leaky chimney all can
cause inadequate draft.
SEASONAL FACTORS: Early fall and late spring are
generally difficult seasons in which to establish
proper drafts. The colder the outside air is relative to
room temperature, the stronger the draft.
Operating the Stove
As outlined above, there are days when a good draft
is just not easy to establish. The causes are usually
seasonal factors or a cold chimney. Try starting the
fire by using small kindling and fuel to obtain a quick,
hot fire. Tend the fire frequently with small fuel until
the chimney is hot and the draft is well established.
Sometimes, partially opening a window briefly will
help quickly get draft established.
HearthStone Quality Home Heating Products, Inc ® Equinox Model 8000 27