63D4002
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FAQS
a good operating temperature, and has a good draft. Cold firebox temperature and poor draft cause sooting of the
glass. Once the firebox temperature and the draft increases, the soot will burn off.
8) What is draft?
Draft is the ability of the chimney to exhaust by-products produced during the normal combustion process.
9) What can cause a poor draft?
The most common factors for poor draft are:
a. Atmospheric pressure and air supply
b. Environmental condition
c. Cold chimney temperature
d. Poor chimney installation and maintenance
a)
Atmospheric Pressure and Air Supply
Atmospheric pressure affecting the draft from a chimney can be either outside the home, inside the home or
both. Outside the home, a high-pressure day (clear and cool) generally creates a better draft in the chimney
than a low-pressure day (overcast and damp). Inside the home normal household appliances, such as
clothes dryers and forced air furnaces compete for air, resulting in inadequate amounts of air available to fuel
a fire and create a condition known as negative pressure. Under extreme conditions of negative pressure the
combustion by-products can be drawn from the chimney into the house. This condition is commonly referred
to as down drafting.
There are several factors that impact the amount of air available in the home. Increased amounts of
insulation, vinyl windows, extra caulking in various places and door seals can all keep heat in but may also
make a home too airtight. If you are in doubt about whether or not there is sufficient air in your home for your
stove, curtail from using those appliances known to consume the air where possible, or open a window or
door to allow air to enter the home.
b)
Environmental Conditions
High trees, low lying house location such as in a valley, tall buildings or structures surrounding your house and
windy conditions can cause poor draft or down drafting.
c)
Cold Chimney Temperature
Avoid cold chimney temperatures by burning a hot fire for the first fifteen to forty minutes, being careful not to
over fire. If any part of the chimney or parts of the stove start to glow, you are over firing the stove. Where
possible, install a temperature gauge on the chimney so temperature drops can be seen.
d)
Chimney Installation and Maintenance
Avoid using too many elbows or long horizontal runs. If in doubt, contact a chimney expert and/or chimney
manufacturer for help. Clean chimney, rain caps and especially spark arrester regularly, to prevent creosote
build-up, which will significantly reduce chimney draw and possibly a chimney fire.
11. Should I close or open the air control fully when shutting down the stove?
Just before shutting down the stove, run on high for a few minutes. This allows the chimney temperatures to remain
as high as possible for as long as possible. Cold chimney temperatures create creosote.
