2. Negative Pressure
As the Inglenook fire burns, the exhaust gases are drafted up and out of the chimney system. The Inglenook Fireplace system is “pulling” fresh air from somewhere to keep the fire burning properly. The Inglenook’s exhausted draft air has to be replaced via a properly operating outside air duct system connected to the fireplace. If not connected properly, the fireplace will draw air to the firebox from inside the house or the fire will be starved due to a lack of available combustion air. This incorrect process will create a negative pressure (reduced pressure inside the house compared to outside air pressure) in your home. If your Inglenook Fireplace has been properly installed, fresh combustion air will be supplied through the outside air duct to the fire. Check the Inglenook Fireplace system by temporarily opening a window near the fireplace. With the fireplace doors closed and a fire operating, you should see no change in the fire when the window is temporarily opened. This check ensures your Inglenook has an adequate air supply through the outside air tube and is unaffected by home air when the fireplace doors are closed. If the fireplace doors are open, house air pressure may be affected in a negative or positive pressure depending on conditions.
3. Fan Operation (i.e., Bathroom Exhaust, Kitchen Exhaust)
Exhaust fans draw air out of a home and may actually create negative pressure (absence of air or reduced air pressure inside a well sealed home.) When operating your Inglenook
4. Wet Wood
Wet or tarred firewood will smolder and smoke instead of burning as efficiently as seasoned woods. Improperly seasoned wood will increase annual maintenance and operating costs of your Inglenook Fireplace. It is worth your time, money, and enjoyment to ensure that you have good seasoned wood to burn in your Inglenook Fireplace.
5. Blocked Chimney
The chimney serves as an exit for all burnt gases created during the fire burning process. Blockage (heavy soot or dirt) of either the chimney or the air intake port may make the Inglenook Fireplace operate improperly or render it unusable. Always ensure, prior to the heating season, that a qualified service technician has checked the fireplace chimney and outside air intake system. This simple process should ensure an enjoyable heating season with the Inglenook Fireplace.
6. Chimney too Short
The Inglenook Fireplace minimum chimney height is 8 feet. This minimum height does not include the fireplace height. The Inglenook chimney must extend at least 3 feet (915 mm) above its point of contact with the roof and at least 2 feet (610 mm) higher than any roof or wall within 10 feet (3 cm) of it. If installed with offsets, the minimum chimney height is 12 feet not including the height of the fireplace. Additional chimney height will increase draft and therefore will decrease the tendency of the Inglenook to smoke. Figure 5 shows a sloped roof chimney installation.
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