Troubleshooting
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 stack. A
400 degree F (200 degree C) stovepipe confirms the
stove is supplying sufficient heat. 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 glass 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 dependent 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
the 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 of the
chimney being too cold. Again, hot chimneys
promote a stronger draft.
Other draft guidelines are as follows:
AN
"AIRTIGHT" HOUSE:
If your home is super-
insulated or especially well sealed, the (infiltration) air
supply to the interior of the house may be
inadequate. This phenomenon of air starvation within
the building can be exacerbated if exhaust fans, such
as clothes dryers, bathroom fans or cookstove
exhaust fans, are in operation within the home.
Outfitting your stove with the optional outside air
supply adaptor connected to an air duct which leads
to the outside of the building should correct this
problem.
TALL TREES OR BUILDINGS:
These obstructions,
when located in proximity to the top of the chimney
can cause chronic or occasional downdrafts. When
selecting a site for a new chimney, take care to
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 may cause erratic
down-drafts.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE:
Chimney drafts are
typically sluggish on balmy, wet or muggy days. 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 may
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 temperatures) the stronger the draft.
Operating the Stove:
There are days when a draft is not easily established.
As outlined above, seasonal factors or a cold
chimney may be the cause. 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.
Hearthstone Quality Home Heating Products, Inc.
® Heritage Model 8022
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