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7) Is it normal for soot to cover the glass at the beginning of a fire?
Yourstovehasbeenbuiltwithan air wash system that will help keep the glassclearwhenthefireboxhas
reached a good operating temperature, and has a good draft. Cold firebox temperature and poor draft
causesootingofthe glass. Once the firebox temperatureandthedraft increases, the soot willburnoff.
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?
Themostcommon factors for poordraft are:
a) Atmosphericpressure and airsupply
b) Environmentalconditions
c) Coldchimneytemperature
d) Poorchimneyinstallationand maintenance
a) Atmospheric Pressure and Air Supply
Atmosphericpressureaffecting thedraftfromachimneycan beeitheroutsidethehome,inside the home
or both. Outside the home, a high-pressure day (clear and cool) generally creates a better draft in the
chimneythanalow-pressureday(overcastanddamp). Insidethehome,normalhouseholdappliances,
such as clothes dryers and forced air furnaces compete for air resulting in inadequate amounts of air
availabletofuel a fire andcreate a condition knownas negative pressure. Under extremeconditions of
negativepressurethecombustionby-productscanbedrawnfromthechimney and into the house. This
conditioniscommonly referred to as downdrafting.
There are several factors that impact the amount of air available in the home. Increased amounts of
insulationvinylwindows, extracaulkinginvariousplacesand doorsealscanallkeepheat in butmayalso
makea home too airtight. Ifyou are indoubt about whether ornot there issufficient air in yourhome for
your stove, curtail from using those appliances known to consume the air where possible, or open a
windowordoor to allow airto enter the home.
b) Environmental Conditions
Hightrees,low lyinghouselocationsuchasin avalley, tallbuildingsorstructuressurrounding your house
andwindyconditions can cause pool draftor down drafting.
c) Cold Chimney Temperature
Avoidcold chimneytemperaturesbyburning ahotfireforthefirstfifteentofortyminutes,beingcarefulnot
to over fire. If any part of the chimney or parts of the stove start to glow, you are over firing the stove.
Wherepossible,install a temperature gauge onthe chimney so temperature dropscanbe seen.
d) Chimney Installation and Maintenance
Avoidusingtoomanyelbowsorlonghorizontal runs. Ifindoubt, contactachimneyexpertand/orchimney
manufacturerforhelp. Cleanchimney,raincapsandespeciallysparkarresterregularly,topreventcreosote
build-up,whichwillsignificantlyreducechimneydrawandpossiblyachimney fire.
10) Should I close or open the air control fully when shutting down the stove?
Whenshuttingdown thestove,fullyopentheair control. Thisallowsthechimneytemperaturesto 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.