15
SECTION VIII: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Match blows out
when testing draft.
(Down draft)
• cold exterior chimney
• negative house pressure
• "stack" effect
• windy conditions
• pre-heat the chimney (pg.
10)
• turn off all exhaust fans &
other fireplaces
• close windows & doors on
upper floors
• use "roof-top"
damper to retain
heat in chimney
• install replacement
air device
• seal air leaks on
upper floors
• review Section IV
Lights okay, but
goes out before
kindling fire gets
started. (Or excess
smoke spillage
after lighting.)
• kindling or firewood not
dry
• chimney damper closed
• obstruction in chimney or
in connection
• fresh air intake not open
• inside/outside temperatures
are almost the same
• use dry kindling and cedar
shavings (or twisted
newspaper)
• check that chimney damper
is open
• check that air is supply
open
• check that chimney is clear
• review Section IV,
V & VII
Fire lights okay,
but burns poorly,
with excess smoke
and not enough
heat.
• damp wood
• wood size too large
• insufficient air
• wet refractory
• stone-cold fireplace
• check air intake
• use smaller pieces of wood
(max. 5" diameter)
• use moisture meter
• ensure fireplace has
been cured properly
(Section II)
• review Section V
Fire lights & burns
strongly, but not
enough heat is
being produced.
• wood not fully dried
• no chimney damper
• air intake not closed after
fire
• not enough wood burned
• fireplace not centrally
located
• poor insulation
• area to be heated too large
• fireplace incorrectly
installed
• burn more wood
• ensure wood is dry, 20% or
less
• close chimney damper after
fire
• close air supply after fire
• split wood into smaller
pieces - max. 5" (120mm)
diameter
• keep wood pieces approx.
same size so they burn at
approx. same rate
• install roof top
damper
• review storage &
moisture % of wood
supply (pg. 12)
• review Planning
Guide & Installation
Manual re: correct
facade materials &
installation
• use additional heat
sources
• upgrade insulation
Fire lights & burns
well, but smoke
spills when door(s)
opened.
• chimney, base manifold or
or heat exchange channels
partially obstructed
• negative pressure
(especially in "air-tight"
construction)
• stack effect
• chimney size too small
2
(min. 50 sq.” or 320 cm )
• open a window near
fireplace before opening
the door(s)
• inspect chimney for too
many offsets or
obstructions
• close windows on upper
floors
• seal air leaks on
upper floors
• install replacement
air unit (pg. 10)
• ensure chimney is
correct size (review
Installation Manual)
• review Section IV &
Section VII
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