England's Stove Works 50-SNC30 Installation & Operation Manual page 22

Why is there always a large quantity of thick black smoke in the firebox?
6.

A large quantity of thick black smoke in the firebox is a possible indication that you have
poor draft.
Is it normal for soot to cover the glass at the beginning of a fire?
7.

This 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 also has a good draft. Cold
firebox temperature and poor draft cause soot to form on the glass. Once the firebox
temperature and the draft increase, the soot should burn off.
What is "draft?"
8.

Draft is the ability of the chimney to exhaust draw by-products produced during the normal
process of combustion.
What can cause a poor draft?
9.

There are several common factors that can contribute to poor draft:
Atmospheric Pressure and Air Supply
A.
Atmospheric pressure affecting the draft from a chimney can be outside the home, inside
B.
the home, or both. Outside the home, a high-pressure (clear and cool) day generally
creates a better draft in the chimney than a low-pressure (overcast and damp) day.
Inside the home, household appliances, such as forced-air furnaces or clothes dryers,
compete for air, often resulting in inadequate amounts of air available to fuel a fire and
creating a condition known as negative pressure.
pressure can cause the combustion by-products to be drawn from the chimney and into
the house. This condition is commonly known as "down drafting."
There are several factors that can affect the amount of air available in the home.
C.
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 as to whether or not there is sufficient air in your home for your stove, refrain from
using those appliances known to consume air when possible, or open a door or a
window to allow some air to enter the home.
Environmental Conditions
D.
High trees, a low-lying house location (such as in a valley), tall buildings or structures
E.
surrounding your house and even windy conditions can cause poor draft or down
drafting.
Cold Chimney Temperature
F.
Avoid cold chimney temperatures by burning a hot fire for the first fifteen to forty minutes
G.
after building a fire, 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.
temperature gauge on the chimney so temperature drops can be seen.
Chimney Installation and Maintenance
H.
Avoid using too many elbows or long horizontal runs. If in doubt, contact a chimney
I.
expert and/or chimney manufacturer for help. Clean your chimney, rain cap(s) and
especially the spark arrester regularly, in order to prevent creosote build-up – which can
significantly reduce chimney draw and possibly create a chimney fire.
Should I close or open the air control fully when shutting down the stove?
10.

When shutting down the stove, fully open the air control.
temperatures to remain as high as possible for as long as possible. Remember, cold
chimney temperatures create creosote.
NOTE: This section is intended as an aid and does not supersede any local, state or like
requirements. Check with officials or authorities having jurisdiction in your area.
Extreme conditions of negative
22
Where possible, install a
This will allow chimney