20
11. TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
CAUSES
SOLUTIONS
1. Sudden drop in heating
performance follows adequate
heating from first loadings.
Ash accumulation at lower intake
blocks combustion air intake and
causes deposits in heat exchanger
and flue pipes.
Clear air intake of any ash
accumulation.
Clean heat exchanger and flue pipes.
2. Insufficient heat from first loadings,
low draft
Wrong setting of draft regulator
(opening too large).
Restriction in chimney flue (excessive
length of chimney connector, right-
angled elbows).
Set draft regulator (reduce opening).
Reduce distance between furnace
and chimney and eliminate 90
o
elbows.
Maximum length: 10 feet.
Tight-angle elbows: maximum 3.
3. Poor heating in the rooms while
hot air plenum and furnace are hot.
Inadequate duct installation.
Insufficient static pressure.
Unbalanced system (too many hot air
outlets for too few cold air intakes).
Reposition ducts.
4. Furnace burns too much wood.
The thermostats controlling the air
combustion damper is located too
close to cold air and demands heat
continuously.
Wrong setting of air intake register.
Poor building insulation.
Ash drawer left open.
Furnace too small for heating needs.
Unbalanced ventilation system,
insufficient heat near thermostat.
Relocate thermostat.
Adjust chain between damper motor
and combustion air damper.
Balance the ventilation system as to
increase the flow air in room where
thermostat is located.
5. Fan starts too late.
Fan starting temperature is too high.
Cold air return is too cold.
Inappropriate location of fan limit
control in hot air plenum.
Lower starting temperature (the fan
limit control is normally set at 150
o
F);
under certain conditions, this limit
should be reduced.
Reduce the cold air intake.
Relocate fan limit control within the
hot air plenum.
6. Creosote accumulation, very
average performance.
Damp wood.
Insufficient draft.
Clogged chimney.
Use dry wood.
Adjust draft regulator.
Clean chimney, chimney connector
and furnace heat exchangers.
7. Hot air plenum remains barely
warm while furnace in full operation.
Damp wood.
Too much cold air return in relation to
hot air ducts.
Unbalanced ventilation system.
Use dry wood.
Balance ventilation system.
IMPORTANT NOTE
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND CONSULTING A HEATING SYSTEM SPECIALIST
FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A CENTRAL HEATING VENTILATION SYSTEM.
N.B.: STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL INC. IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FAULTY INSTALLATION WHICH RENDERS THIS
UNIT INOPERATIVE
