Hearthstone
Clydesdale Fireplace Insert Model 8491
Page 29 of 35
Troubleshooting
Basic Heating Issues
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 resolve themselves once
the weather changes.
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 exterior 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 Insert's performance is also greatly dependant
on its installation. One common cause of poor
performance is an oversized chimney flue.
Oversized flues result in decreased vacuum, which
prevents the smoke from rising out the chimney.
Oversized flues are also more difficult to heat
effectively, especially when burning a high efficiency
insert like the Clydesdale. 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 into the room. If your chimney
is the proper size and a strong draft is not easily
established, there is the possibility the chimney is just
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 is exacerbated if exhaust fans, such as
clothes dryers, bathroom vent fans, or cook stove
exhaust fans are in operation within the home.
TALL TREES OR BUILDINGS:
These obstructions,
when located in close proximity 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 may cause erratic
downdrafts. Strong winds can also cause a negative
pressure condition in the upwind side of a structure.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE:
Chimney drafts are
typically sluggish on balmy, wet or muggy days (low
or falling 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
insert, the hotter your chimney and, therefore, the
stronger the 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 FIREPLACE INSERT:
There are
days when a draft is just 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 small wood pieces to obtain a quick, hot
fire. Tend the fire frequently with small pieces until
the chimney is hot and the draft is well established.
Briefly partially opening a window in the room with
the insert can also help establish a draft quickly.
DRAFT SAMPLING ACCESS PORT:
The draft
sampling port is located under the top grill on the
front center of the stove’s body. Remove the bolt to
check the draft reading. Ensure you replace the bolt
when finished.
Photo 28 – Draft Access Port
