Heatilator CONSTITUTION C-40 - Diagnostics and Problem Solving

Page 56
Heatilator • Constitution EPA Fireplace • 480-1091C
November 11, 2008
C. Diagnostics and Problem Solving
Diagnostic Question Possible Causes of Condition Solutions
Are the air controls open? • No draft
• No combustion air
Openaircontrols
Is there enough paper? Insufcientheattoignitekindling Use more paper
Is there enough kindling?
Is the kindling dry?
Insufcientheattoignitefuel Use drier kindling
Is there enough or too much wood?
Is it too large?
Is it dry enough?
• Insufcientheattoestablishdraft
• Insufcientairpassage
• Insufcientsurfacearea
• Ignition temperature high due to
moisture
Use small split wood that is well sea-
soned (split, covered on top minimum 6
months, preferably a year)
Are there adequate air spaces
between fuel pieces?
Insufcientcombustionairand
exposed surface area
Arrange kindling and wood for air move-
ment
Is the chimney pre-warmed? Exposed, cold chimney downdrafting Uselightedrollednewspaperatue
opening to start upward air movement
Is there smoke in the house? • Obstructioninchimney
• Downdraft from chimney tem-
perature or from negative house
pressure
• Have chimney checked if it worked
previously
• Pre-warm chimney
• Shut off exhaust devices
• Openwindowslightly
Does the kindling wood not ignite? Condition, amount, arrangement of
kindling and fuel
Use more, drier, well-spaced kindling
and fuel.
Does the kindling ignite, but the fuel
doesn’t?
• Amount of kindling
• Condition of fuel
• Use more kindling
• Use smaller, dry wood
Does the fuel ignite, but not burn well? • Draft problem
• Condition of fuel
• Use well-seasoned wood and suf-
cientamount
• Turn exhaust fans off
• Openwindowslightly
1. If I can’t get a good re going, what am I doing wrong?
2. I smell smoke in the house after we have had a re. What is the cause/what can I do?
Diagnostic Question Possible Causes of Condition Solutions
Is the chimney clean? No:Creosoteodor Have chimney cleaned
3. I smell smoke in the house during operation. What is causing it?
Diagnostic Question Possible Causes of Condition Solutions
Doresstartandburnwell? No:
• Chimney obstruction
• Notenoughkindlingand/orfuelto
establish draft
• Inadequate combustion air
• Air controls not open
Yes:
Competition with exhaust devices
No:
• Check&cleanchimneyifneeded
• Useadequatekindling&fuel
• Openaircontrols
• Openwindow
• Check for need for balanced air
make-up(OutsideAir)
• Check door rope for seal.
Yes:
• Do not use exhaust fans during
startup
• Check for need for balanced air
make-up(OutsideAir)