Hearth and Home Technologies NorthStar-GT Troubleshooting, Understanding Vent Problems

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.

B. Draft Problems

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

Flue draft is measured as negative pressure in the chimney. The amount of negative pressure determines how strong the draft is. The draft is important because it draws the combustion air into the fireplace and pulls the smoke out of the chimney.

There are three basic criteria essential in establishing and maintaining flue draft:

•Availability of combustion air.

•Heat generated from the fire.

•Diameter and height of the flue system.

These three factors work together as a system to create the flue draft. Increasing or decreasing any one of them will affect the other two and thus change the amount of draft in the entire system.

If the fire is hard to start and smoke spills out of the fire- place, or you find it difficult to establish and maintain a moderately high burn rate, then the flue draft is too low and corrective measures must be taken.

Be sure you have air available for combustion and that your firewood is dry and well seasoned. Build your fires properly and according to the instructions given in operat- ing instructions, “Starting a Fire”. Be sure your flue system is installed correctly and that it is the proper diameter and height. Check for the following:

•All chimney sections are properly installed.

•The chimney is clean and free of creosote or soot buildup.

•Make sure overhanging trees and branches are cut back within ten feet of the top of the chimney and is free of debris from animals.

•Ensure the chimney cap is clean and free of any buildup of soot or creosote. if cap is equipped with a spark arrestor screen.

•Be sure the ceramic blanket (above the baffle) and the baffle are in their proper positions

•The wood being used in dry and well seasoned.

If you still suspect you have a low draft problem it may be necessary to increase the volume of air in your flue system. Since the diameter of your flue system is matched with the size of the flue collar and should not be changed, then the height of the system must be increased. Add chimney sections a little at a time until the draft improves.

In some cases, regardless of what you do, it can still be difficult to establish the proper flue draft. This is especially evident when using an exterior factory-built chimney or exterior masonry chimney. Try placing several sheets of crumpled paper on top of your kindling as close to the flue outlet of the fireplace as possible. Light this paper first then the paper under the kindling. The heat gener- ated from the rapidly burning paper on top of the kindling should help get the draft established.

Still other factors can affect how well your flue system performs. Neighboring structures, high winds, tall trees, even hillsides can affect air currents around the chimney. Well designed chimney caps are available that can help. Your fireplace dealer is the local expert in your area. He can usually make suggestions or discover problems that can be easily corrected allowing your fireplace to oper- ate correctly as it has been designed, providing safe and economical heat for your home.

Page 54 Heat & Glo • NorthStar EPA Fireplace • 480-1081C September 1, 2008