26
Montrose Woodfire
installation
Fire will not
start or starts
slowly
The combustion air control
is closed, or insufficient
combustion air is reaching
the fire.
Ensure that the air control is open
and that the air inlet is free from
debris. If necessary crack open the
fireplace door until the fire is started.
Wet or insufficient kindling
was used to try to start the
fire
Use drier kindling and paper if
necessary to start the fire. The initial
burn helps to warm the chimney and
establish a proper draft.
Trying to burn wet “fuel”
wood will slow down the
start
Use drier “fuel” wood for the fire, and
allow more air space to start the fire.
Wood should have a moisture content
of 15-20% for best results. Use more
kindling to dry the “fuel” wood.
A negative air pressure
in the home which can
reverse or impede the
natural flow of flue gasses.
Crack open a door or window, and
turn off all exhaust devices. Typically
increasing chimney height will help to
increase fireplace draw.
A dirty or blocked chimney
or blocked air inlets can
reverse or impede the
natural flow of flue gasses.
Inspect the chimney and fireplace
for buildup or blockage and as
necessary have the chimney and
fireplace cleaned.
Dirty Glass
The air control may have
been closed to soon,
slowing down the burn of
the fire, which will allow
deposits to stick to the
glass
Leave the air control open longer, at
least 10-15 minutes every time you
insert fresh wood, to ensure the fire
has reached optimum temperature
and properly established a draft.
Burning wet wood will slow
the burn of the fire, produce
more smoke, and allow
unburned fuel to stick to
the glass.
Use drier wood for the fire. Wood
should have a moisture content of 15-
20% for best results.
A dirty chimney, or an
improperly sized or
installed vent, will impede
the flow of flue gasses
slowing down the fire and
allowing unburned fuel to
stick to the glass.
Inspect the chimney for buildup or
blockage and to ensure that the
proper size and configuration of
venting was installed (refer to the
Unit’s manual) and as necessary
have the chimney cleaned, repaired,
or replaced.
An inadequate supply of
combustion air will slow the
burn and allow deposits to
stick to the glass.
Ensure that air intakes are clean
and clear of any debris. It may be
necessary to install an outside air kit
to provide adequate air supply.
Worn gaskets will change
the airflow of the fireplace
and can allow deposits to
stick to the glass.
Inspect and replace any worn gaskets
to ensure proper airflow patterns
within the unit.
Symptom
Possible Cause
Solution
Fire burning
too fast
The door may have been
left open, or the door latch
may need adjustment.
Ensure that the door is properly
closed and that when latched that
the latch holds the door closed. If
necessary adjust the latch (refer to
the manual).
Worn gaskets and/or an
improperly installed ash
plug (freestanding units)
will change the airflow
of the fireplace and can
increase the speed of the
burn by bypassing the air
control system.
Inspect and replace any worn gaskets
to ensure proper airflow patterns
within the unit. Remove ash plug and
clean the plug and surrounding area,
then re-seat the plug into the bottom
of the stove.
The air control may have
been left open, allowing the
fire to burn faster
Once the fireplace has reached
optimum temperature, adjust the
primary air control to maintain
optimum burn.
Soft, rotten and extremely
dry wood will burn quickly.
As much as possible use a dense and
seasoned wood, preferably at 15-
20% moisture content. If necessary
mix newer, less seasoned wood with
fuel that may be burning too fast.
An overly tall chimney may
create an excessive draft,
which will increase the
speed of the burn.
Although stove pipe dampers are
not recommended in today’s EPA
Certified units, it is possible to install
a chimney damper in the pipe at a
height of 18” above the flue of the
unit. This will restrict the flue gasses
and help decrease the speed of the
burn.
CAUTION
If the body of your unit starts to glow, you are overfiring
the unit. STOP loading fuel immediately and close the
draft control until the glow has completely subsided.
Symptom
Possible Cause
Solution
TROUBLE SHOOTING
