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11
Troubleshooting
A. Diagnostics and Problem Solving
I can't get a good fire going. What am I doing wrong?
Diagnostic Questions
Is the damper open?
Is there enough paper/starter?
Is there enough kindling?
Is the kindling dry?
Is there enough or too much
wood? Is it too large? Is it dry
enough?
Are there adequate air spaces
between fuel pieces?
Is the chimney pre-warmed?
Does the kindling, wood not
ignite?
Does the kindling ignite, but the
fuel doesn't?
Does the fuel ignite, but not burn
well?
I don't get enough/any heat from the fireplace. What can I do about it?
Diagnostic Questions
How much wood is used for fire? • Insufficient fuel
How well seasoned is the wood? • Condition of fuel
How much heat output do you
expect?
The fireplace burns the wood too fast. What can I do?
Diagnostic Questions
Do you have glass doors?
What is the condition of the
wood?
Outdoor Lifestyles by Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. • 4070-300 Rev C • 4/11
Possible Causes of Condition
• No draft
• Insufficient heat to ignite kindling
• Insufficient heat to ignite fuel
• Insufficient heat to establish draft
• Insufficient air passage
• Insufficient surface area
• Ignition temperature high due to moisture
• Insufficient combustion air and exposed
surface area
• Exposed, cold chimney down drafting
• Condition, amount, arrangement of kindling
and fuel
• Amount of kindling
• Condition of fuel
• Condition of fuel
• Draft problem
Possible Causes of Condition
• Unrealistic expectations
Possible Causes of Condition
• Need to slow air intake
• Extremely dry wood
Solutions
Open damper.
Use more paper/starter.
Use more dry kindling.
Use small split wood that is well seasoned (split, covered on
top at least 6 months, preferably a year).
Arrange kindling and wood for air movement.
Use lighted rolled newspaper at throat or flue opening to
start upward movement.
Use more, drier, well-spaced kindling and fuel.
Use more kindling; use smaller, dry wood.
Use well-seasoned wood and sufficient amount; turn
exhaust fans off; open window slightly. Perform Simplified
House Pressure Test.
Solutions
Make larger fires.
Burn seasoned wood: covered on top, split and stacked for
9 months to 2 years.
Explanation of decorative nature of fireplace; suggestion of
approved fireplace insert.
Solutions
Add glass doors.
Mix in less seasoned wood after fire established.
31
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