Hearth and Home Technologies EM-415H owner manual Troubleshooting, Understanding Vent Problems

Unsealed can lights?

10 Troubleshooting

This fireplace will operate correctly only if adequate ventila- tion is provided to allow proper draft to the fireplace system. Hearth & Home Technologies assumes no responsibility for the improper performance of the fireplace system caused by inadequate draft due to environmental conditions, down drafts, tight sealing construction of the structure, or mechan- ical exhausting devices which will create a negative air pres- sure within the structure where the fireplace is located.

A. Understanding Vent Problems

If smoke spillage occurs from a fireplace opening when the door is open and the proper chimney height, flue size, and configuration requirements for the installation have been met, there is either a leakage in the flue, a blockage in the

flue, or some condition is in effect to draw smoke from the fireplace into the house. Understanding and differentiating the conditions which can cause each of these kinds of spill- age problems is essential to their solution.

•Flue Leakage

Check for improperly connected flue joints or a damaged flue joint in the chimney system. Such leakage would reduce draft (air would be drawn in through the leaks rather than through the fireplace). The result might be difficult start-up and smoky fires that might spill if other adverse draft conditions accompany this problem.

•Flue Blockage

The damper should be open.

Overhanging tree?

				s
			d
			in
			w
		g
	n
o
Str

a

r

o

				y
			ne
		im
	h
c
d
n
u

				?
				n
			o
			i
			t
		a
	in
rm
te

Bird's nest or leaves in termination cap?

Another appliance in home also exhausting

air (furnace, fan, dryer, etc.)?

Structural

changes in chimney area?

Overhead fan operating?

Doors opening and closing? Window closed for start-up?

Air register from furnace near fireplace?

Creosote buildup in flue?

Damper closed?

Outside air closed?

Figure 10.1 Factory-built Fireplaces: Troubleshooting

32 Heat & Glo • EM-415/EM-415H • 31317 Rev Q • 10/06