Troubleshooting - HearthStone Green Mountain 40 Owner's Manual

T
ROUBLESHOOTING
C I
OMMON SSUES
Virtually all woodstove operators experience basic
common problems at one time or another. Most are
correctable and generally require only a minor
adjustment of the stove, installation, or operating
technique. In cases where weather conditions
dramatically affect stove performance, the problems
are typically temporary and solve themselves once
the weather changes.
If you question whether your stove is producing
adequate heat, the best way to troubleshoot the
problem is to monitor the temperature of the stack
no more than 12 inches (30 cm) above the flue
collar. A 400° F (200° C) stovepipe confirms the
stove is supplying sufficient heat. Keep in mind that
your house itself will
temperatures. How well the walls, floors and ceilings
are insulated, the number and size of windows, the
tightness of outside doors, and the construction or
style of your house (vaulted ceilings or other open
spaces which collect large percentages of heat,
ceiling fans, etc.) all are determining factors of room
temperature.
Your stove's performance is also dependent on its
installation. One common
performance is an
Oversized chimney flues result in decreased draft,
which prevents the smoke from rising out the
chimney. Oversized flues are also more difficult to
heat effectively, especially when burning a high
efficiency stove. Cool flue temperatures inhibit the
establishment of a strong draft (and encourage the
accumulation of creosote). The lack of a strong draft
will cause the fire to die down and may even force
smoke to pour into the room.
If your chimney is the proper size and a strong draft
is not easily established, there is the possibility that
the chimney is too cold. Again, hot chimneys
promote stronger drafts. Opening a window briefly in
the room while lighting the stove may help.
Other draft guidelines are as follows:
An "AIRTIGHT" HOUSE: The air supply (infiltration)
to the interior of the house may be inadequate if
your home is super-insulated or especially well
sealed. This phenomenon of air starvation within the
Hearthstone Quality Home Heating Products, Inc ®
regulate room/house
cause of poor
oversized chimney flue.
building is exacerbated if exhaust fans, such as
clothes dryers, bathroom fans or cook stove exhaust
fans, are in operation within the home. Outfitting
your stove with the optional outside air adaptor
connected to an air duct, which leads to the outside
of the building, can correct this problem.
Tall Trees or Buildings: These obstructions, when
located close to the top of the chimney can cause
chronic or occasional downdrafts. When selecting a
site for a new chimney, consider the placement of
other objects near the proposed chimney location.
Wind Velocity: Generally, the stronger and steadier
a wind, the stronger (better) the draft. However,
"gusty" wind conditions
downdrafts. For consistent problems, consider a
high wind cap, such as the Vacu-Stack.
Barometric Pressure: Chimney drafts are typically
sluggish on balmy, wet or muggy days (low
barometric pressure). This is a weather-related
phenomenon, which generally is self-correcting as
the weather changes.
Briskness of Fire: The hotter the fire in your stove,
the hotter your chimney and, therefore, the stronger
the draft.
Breaks in the Venting System:
clean-out door at the bottom of the chimney, leaky
stovepipe joints,
connection, missing caps, or a leaky chimney all can
cause inadequate draft.
Seasonal Factors: Early fall and late spring are
generally difficult seasons in which to establish
proper drafts. The colder the outside air is relative to
room temperature, the stronger the draft.
O S
PERATING THE TOVE
As outlined above, there are days when a good draft
is just not easy to establish. The causes are usually
seasonal factors or a cold chimney. Try starting the
fire by using small kindling and fuel to obtain a quick,
hot fire. Tend the fire frequently with small fuel until
the chimney is hot and the draft is well established.
Sometimes, partially opening a first floor window
briefly will help quickly get draft established.
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can cause
An unsealed
a poor stovepipe-to-thimble
Green Mountain 40 (Model 8640)
erratic