Your Heating Needs
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 solve themselves once the weather changes.
If you question whether your stove is producing adequate heat, the best way to troubleshoot the problem is to monitor the temperature of the stack. A 400 degree F (200 degree
C)stovepipe confirms the stove is supplying sufficient heat. 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 glass windows, the tightness of outside 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 stove's performance is also dependant on its installation. One common cause of poor performance is an oversized chimney flue. Oversized chimney flues result in decreased draft, which prevents the smoke from rising out the chimney. Oversized flues are also more difficult to heat effectively, especially when burning a high efficiency stove. 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 the smoke to pour into the room.
If your chimney is the proper size and a strong draft is not easily established, there is the possibility of the chimney being 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
TROUBLESHOOTING
phenomenon of air starvation within the building can be exacerbated if exhaust fans, such as clothes dryers, bathroom fans or cookstove exhaust fans, are in operation within the home. Outfitting your stove with the optional outside air supply adaptor connected to an air duct which leads to the outside of the building should correct this problem.
TALL TREES OR BUILDINGS: These obstructions, when located in proximity to the top of the chimney can cause chronic or occasional downdrafts. When selecting a site for a new chimney, take care to 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.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE: Chimney drafts are typically sluggish on balmy, wet or muggy days. This is a
BRISKNESS OF FIRE: The hotter the fire in your stove, the hotter your chimney and, therefore, the stronger the draft.
BREAKS IN THE VENTING SYSTEM: An unsealed
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 Stove
There are days when a draft is 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 fuel to obtain a quick, hot fire. Tend the fire frequently with small fuel until the chimney is hot and the draft is well established.
HearthStone Quality Home Heating Products Inc ® | 22 | Tribute Model 8040 |
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