SECTION 7 - TROUBLESHOOTING
STOVE BURNS LAZY AT START UP.
1.
The chimney is still cool, allow more time to warm up.
2.
Wood is not seasoned (still green). Wood should sit for about 1 year, split and loosely stacked if it was
cut green.
3.
Wood is well seasoned but has a lot of surface moisture. Your wood supply must be covered. Check
your tarps or other covering to see that no rain or snow is getting to your wood. Wood should be
covered on top, but open on the sides to allow air movement to aid in drying.
4.
Stove is being shut down too soon. Leave the air open for longer. (do not leave the stove unattended
with door open) See Section 4 for lighting instructions.
STOVE BACK-PUFFS OR SMOKES INTO THE ROOM AT START UP.
1.
Make sure the bypass rod is pulled open
2.
Chimney is cold. Cold chimneys can produce a “reverse draft” where cold air is rushing down the
chimney into the stove. Open a door or a window for about 5 minutes to equalize pressure in the house
then try restarting with small strips of newspaper. Using small strips of newspaper or an approved fast
burning fire starter and small pieces of kindling will create heat faster to help reverse the cold air.
3.
Chimney and/or the chimney cap needs to be cleaned. Your chimney should be checked and cleaned if
necessary, every few months. Even a small amount of buildup can cause a draft restriction, for example:
¼ inch of buildup on the side wall of an 8” chimney reduces the effective area of the chimney by about
20%. Pay close attention to the chimney cap, especially if it has a screen. Screened chimney caps can
become blocked enough to restrict flow in just a few weeks.
STOVE SMOKES OUT THE DOOR WHEN IT IS OPEN.
1.
The door was opened before the bypass rod was pulled open. Open the bypass for 1 minute before
opening the door.
2.
The door was opened too quickly. Crack the door open just a small amount and let the stove “breathe”
a few seconds before opening all the way.
3.
Chimney and/or the chimney cap needs to be cleaned. Your chimney should be checked and cleaned if
necessary, every few months. Even a small amount of buildup can cause a draft restriction, for example:
¼ inch of buildup on the side wall of a 6” chimney reduces the effective area of the chimney by about
20%. Pay close attention to the chimney cap, especially if it has a screen. Screened chimney caps can
become blocked enough to restrict flow in just a few weeks.
STOVE WON’T SHUT DOWN.
1.
Check the main door gasket and glass gasket for proper seal. See section 6 for instructions on checking
your gaskets.
2.
Chimney is too tall, see Section 3 for flue height recommendations.
STOVE WON’T BURN HOT ENOUGH. LAZY BURN.
1.
Wood is not seasoned (still green). Wood should sit for about 1 year, split and loosely stacked if it was
cut green.
2.
Wood is well seasoned but has a lot of surface moisture. Your wood supply must be covered. Check
your tarps or other covering to see that no rain or snow is getting to your wood. Wood should be
covered on top, but open on the sides to allow air movement to aid in drying.
