Hardy H3 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

S
Susan HarrisAug 19, 2025
Why is my Hardy H3 Wood stove using excessive wood or overheating?
- J
  Jason KirbyAug 19, 2025
  Excessive wood usage or overheating in your Hardy Wood stove can be caused by several factors. Make sure all doors are closed and securely fastened, and inspect door seals for damage, replacing them if necessary. Also, check the damper blower lid for any obstructions, such as creosote buildup; if found, unplug the blower motor, disassemble, clean, and oil it. Ensure the damper aquastat is set to 170ºF, and replace it if it's causing the blower to run until the water boils. Finally, inspect all water lines and connections for leaks, repairing or replacing any that are found.
H
Heather TorresAug 21, 2025
What to do if my Hardy Wood stove is using excessive wood or overheating?
- L
  Larry WallsAug 21, 2025
  If your Hardy Wood stove is using excessive wood or overheating, several issues could be the cause. Check the pop-off valve and replace it if it's relieving for no apparent reason. Inspect the liquid level switch float to ensure it's upright, with the magnets on top; if the solenoid doesn't click and the light doesn't turn on and off when moving the float, replace the switch. If the solenoid clicks but the heater still overflows, it may be stuck open; remove and clean or replace it. Disconnect the line to the electric water solenoid and turn off the valve to the system fill to ensure no water enters the tank from the fill system. If the heater tank still overfills, remove the heater hull and lid to check the domestic water coil for leaks; repair or replace as needed.
A
Allison RobinsonAug 25, 2025
What to do if water is not circulating through the heat loop in my Hardy Wood stove?
- L
  Logan ChavezAug 25, 2025
  If water isn't circulating through the heat loop in your Hardy Wood stove, several factors could be responsible. Check that the pump is operating correctly. Ensure that any inline valves are open and functioning. Bleed the lines to remove any trapped air; note that non-pressurized lines require the pump to be running during bleeding. If there are scale deposits in the hot water coil, disconnect the inlet and outlet and clean the coil with a descale cleaning kit. Also, bleed any air from the hot water coil.
J
Jesse Morris DDSAug 28, 2025
Why is the pump not running in my Hardy H3?
- J
  Jessica AdamsAug 28, 2025
  If the pump in your Hardy Wood stove isn't running, here's what you can check: First, unplug the pump, remove it, and pull the cartridge from the pump. Spin the impeller by hand; if it won't spin, replace the cartridge. Next, use an ohmmeter to test the capacitor; when connected, the needle should jump towards “0” ohms and slowly drift back to infinity; replace the capacitor if it's defective. Finally, disconnect the wires connected to the motor terminals to test the motor independently; check for ground and continuity with an ohmmeter and ensure the windings' insulator shows no breakage; if it does, replace the pump.
N
Nicole AyalaAug 30, 2025
How to clean ash bin for Hardy H3?
- M
  Maria MclaughlinAug 30, 2025
  To maintain your Hardy Wood stove, clean out the ash bin weekly. Ash buildup on the grates can cause them to warp. If the grates warp, they can be turned over to straighten. When removing ashes, leave at least 1/2” to 1” of ashes in the bottom of the ash pan.
M
Mariah HallSep 1, 2025
What to do if my Hardy H3 Wood stove has improper burning?
- R
  robinsonkevinSep 2, 2025
  If your Hardy Wood stove is burning improperly, the grates may be stopped up. Clear the grates of ash buildup. If the grates are warped, turn them over.
J
Jessica CoxSep 4, 2025
What to do if my Hardy H3 Wood stove's water solenoid valve is defective?
- R
  Ryan PowellSep 4, 2025
  If the water solenoid valve does not click when checking the liquid level switch, but the level indicator light does come on, replace the solenoid valve. Also, remove the filter screen from the 1/2” bushing in the end of the 1/2” ball valve and clean or replace it.
B
Bianca ShermanSep 6, 2025
What to do if my Hardy H3 has a forced air blower running but no draft?
- D
  David BeasleySep 6, 2025
  If the forced air blower is running but there is no draft, the solenoid may not be lifting the lid. If so, replace the solenoid. Creosote buildup may also be the cause. Please refer to the section on excessive wood usage.
R
ricardo70Sep 8, 2025
What to do if there is moisture in the fire box of my Hardy Wood stove?
- M
  Matthew WilliamsSep 8, 2025
  If you notice moisture in the firebox of your Hardy Wood stove, it could be due to a couple of reasons. During the initial or yearly start-up, the firebox walls might sweat, causing water to run down the sides; this should clear up within about a week. Alternatively, using green wood can also create moisture at any time.
L
lrichardsonSep 12, 2025
What to do if the air tube is clogged in my Hardy H3?
- M
  melissaedwardsSep 12, 2025
  If the air tube in your Hardy Wood stove is clogged, lift the inspection lid and clean out all obstructions.

Summary

INTRODUCTION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Highlights critical safety information that must be observed to prevent injury or damage when using the heater.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING

OUTDOOR FURNACE BEST BURN PRACTICES

THE HARDY OUTSIDE WOODBURNING HEATER

How does an outside heater heat my home?

Explains the mechanism by which the outdoor heater heats a home using a water tank and circulation system.

How does THE HARDY heat water for household use?

Describes how the heater can preheat domestic hot water using an optional plate heat exchanger.

How do the Thermostat Controls work?

Details the function of the thermostat controls, including how they regulate the pump and blower for home heating.

Where should an Outside Wood Burning Heater be located?

Provides guidelines for optimal placement of the outdoor heater, considering fire safety, convenience, and heating efficiency.

SECTION I GENERAL INFORMATION

1-1 Specifications

Provides detailed specifications including type of fuel, electrical rating, clearances, water capacity, dimensions, and firebox sizes.

Electrical Options

Lists and explains the various electrical options available for the heater, such as pumps and relays.

Plumbing Options

Details the available plumbing options, including domestic hot water and extra ports.

Section I 1-2 Heater Component Parts

Heater Component Parts (Model H3, H5, & H6)

Identifies and lists all component parts of the heater with their corresponding part numbers for reference and replacement.

SECTION II INSTALLATION OF HEATER

2-1 Location of Heater

Provides guidance on selecting the optimal location for the outdoor wood burning heater, including clearance and pad requirements.

Section II 2-2 Hull Removal

Section II 2-3 Set-Up of Grates

Section II 2-4 Location of Plumbing and Electrical Lines

Section II 2-5 Connection of Power to Heater

Section II 2-6 Wiring Diagrams (H3, H5, & H6)

Section II 2-7 Plumbing Instructions

Section II 2-8 Filling the Heater with Water

SECTION III CONNECTION TO CENTRAL HEATING;AC SYSTEM

3-1 Connection to Central Unit with Existing Blower Relay

Details wiring instructions for connecting the heater to a central heating/AC system with an existing blower relay and pump.

Section III 3-2 Location of Heating Coil

SECTION IV CONNECTION TO HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEMS (BASEBOARD)

4-1 Connection to Hydronic System with Existing 24 Volt Transformer

Provides wiring instructions for connecting the heater to a hydronic baseboard heating system using an existing 24-volt transformer.

Section IV 4-2 Typical Diagram for Plumbing Hydronic System

SECTION V PLUMBING OPTIONS FOR DOMESTIC HOT WATER

5-1 Option 1 - Plate Heat Exchanger for Domestic Hot Water located at Hot Water Heater

Details how to install a plate heat exchanger at the hot water heater to provide domestic hot water, including bypass and zoning valve setup.

Section V 5-2 Option 2 - Plate Heat Exchanger for Domestic Hot Water located on rear of Heater

Section V 5-3 Automatic Water Fill (Optional)

SECTION VI HEATER OPERATION

6-1 Firing the Heater

Provides instructions on how to start and maintain a fire in the heater, emphasizing safe starting methods and wood stacking.

6-2 Water Temperature

Details the normal operating temperature range for the heater and the recommended settings for the thermostat.

6-3 Wood Usage

Offers advice on efficient wood usage, door sealing, and potential issues affecting consumption.

6-4 Moisture in the Firebox

Explains common causes of moisture in the firebox, such as new unit startup or burning green wood.

6-5 Improper Burning

Guides on diagnosing and correcting improper burning, including checks for ashes, air intake, creosote, and damper operation.

Ash Removal

Details the proper procedure for removing ashes from the firebox to prevent grate damage and ensure airflow.

SECTION VII SERVICE INFORMATION

7-1 Water Circulation System

Explains the water circulation system, including the low temperature sensor, water pump relay, and Taco 009 pump operation and troubleshooting.

Section VII 7-2 Temperature Control System

Section VII 7-3 Preseason Heater Maintenance

Section VII 7-5 Trouble Shooting Guide H3,H5,&H6

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Outlines preventative maintenance tasks to ensure system performance and reduce complaints, including GFCI, piping, and door seal checks.

Ground Fault Interrupter Receptacle Tripping

Addresses issues related to the GFCI receptacle tripping, including moisture and grounding problems, and provides corrective actions.

Blower and Solenoid Issues

Covers troubleshooting for the blower and solenoid, addressing moisture, corrosion, and air passage blockages.

Pump Motor and Water Level Issues

Details troubleshooting for pump motor problems and liquid level switch/solenoid valve issues, focusing on connections, operation, and common causes.

No Heat and Cold Air Complaints

Diagnoses 'NO HEAT' and cold air complaints, focusing on pump performance, aquastat, and water circulation issues.

Overheating and Excessive Wood Usage

Diagnoses overheating and excessive wood usage, covering door seals, damper issues, aquastat settings, leaks, and pop-off valve.

Improper Burning and Firebox Issues

Addresses improper burning related to grates, air intake, smoke stack, fire, and moisture in the firebox, with solutions for each.

Section VIII Repair Parts (Model H3, H5, & H6)

Repair Parts (Model H3, H5, & H6)

Provides a comprehensive list of available repair parts for models H3, H5, and H6, including part numbers and descriptions.

Hardy H3 Specifications

General

Fuel Type	Wood
Efficiency	75%
Firebox Material	Steel
Blower	Optional
EPA Certified	Yes

Related product manuals

Hardy H5

46 pages

Hardy H6