Vermont Casting WOOD STOVE owner manual What is draft?, What can cause a poor draft?

7) Is it normal for soot to cover the glass at the beginning of a fire?

Your stove has been built with an air wash system that will help keep the glass clear when the firebox has reached 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 draw 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 conditions

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 and 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 pool 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.

10) Should I close or open the air control fully when shutting down the stove?

When shutting down the stove, fully open the air control. This allows the chimney temperatures to remain as high as possible for as long as possible. Cold chimney temperatures create creosote.

Note: This sheet is intended as an aid and does not supersede any local, provincial or state requirements. Check with officials or authorities having jurisdiction in your area.

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