HearthStone
Quality Home Heating Products Inc
®
Starlet Model 8550
20
TALL TREES OR BUILDINGS:
These obstructions,
when located in proximity to the top of the chimney can
cause chronic or occasional downdrafts. When selecting a
site for a new chimney, take care to 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 may cause erratic downdrafts.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE:
Chimney drafts are
typically sluggish on balmy, wet or muggy days. 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:
An unsealed
clean-out door at the bottom of the chimney, leaky
stovepipe joints, a poor stovepipe-to-thimble connection,
missing caps, or a leaky chimney may 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
temperatures) the stronger the draft.
OPERATING THE STOVE
There are days when a draft is not easily established. As
outlined above, seasonal factors or a cold chimney may be
the cause. 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.
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
G
UIDE
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTIONS
STOVE SMOKES
Operating Technique
Fully open the primary air control one minute before opening doors.
Cold Chimney
Preheat the chimney when first starting a fire.
Blocked Chimney
Examine the chimney and stovepipe for blockage or creosote accumulations.
Oversized Chimney
Reline the chimney to the appropriate diameter
Undersized Chimney
Install a draft inducer or replace the chimney.
Chimney Too Short
Lengthen the chimney.
Air Infiltration Into The Chimney
Seal chimney connections and openings in clean-out doors.
More Than One Appliance
Connected to the Flue
Disconnect all other appliances and seal openings.
BACK-PUFFING OR
GAS EXPLOSIONS
Operating Technique
Fully open the primary air control one minute before opening the door and
keep it fully open for a few minutes after reloading.
Extra Low Burn Rate
Burn the stove at a higher burn rate.
Chimney Down-draft
Install a chimney cap.
Excessive Ash Build-up
Empty ashes more frequently.
Unsealed or Open Door
Close the door tightly or replace the gaskets.
UNCONTROLLED OR
SHORT BURN
Excessive Draft
Check the installation. Operate at LOW BURN. Install stovepipe damper.
Deteriorated Cement Seals
Reseal the stove with furnace cement.
Extra Long Chimney
Shorten the chimney. Install stovepipe damper.
Oversized Chimney
Reline the chimney to the proper diameter.
High Winds or Hilltop Location:
Install a chimney cap.
Excessive Draft
Draft in excess of 0.1 wc should be corrected with a stovepipe damper
INSUFFICIENT HEAT
Poor Quality or Green Wood
Use only air-dried wood, preferably dried at least one year.
Low Burn Rate
Operate the stove at a higher burn rate.
Air Insulated Chimney
Replace with a pre-fabricated insulated chimney system or a properly sized
masonry chimney.
Cold Exterior Chimney
Reline or insulate the chimney.
Leaky Stovepipe or Chimney
Check the installation.
Too Much Heat Loss From House
Caulk windows, seal openings in home.
BLISTERING OF
ENAMEL CASTING
Operating Technique
Do not over-fire the stove. Monitor stove temperatures. Use seasoned wood
only.
Excessive Draft
Check the draft. A damper may be required. Operate the stove at a LOW
BURN range.
