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17
that will help keep the glass clear when the firebox
has reached a good operating temperature, and has a
good draft. Cold firebox temperature and poor draft
cause sooting of the glass. Once the firebox tempera-
ture and the draft increases, the soot will burn off.
8. What is draft?
Draft is the ability of the chimney to exhaust draw by-
products produced during the normal combustion
process.
9. What can cause a poor draft?
The most common factors for poor draft are:
a) Atmospheric pressure and air supply
b) Environmental conditions
c) Cold chimney temperature
d) Poor chimney installation and maintenancea)
Atmospheric Pressure and Air Supply
Atmospheric pressure affecting the draft from a
chimney can be either outside the home, inside the
home or both. Outside the home, a high-pressure
day (clear and cool) generally creates a better draft in
the chimney than a low-pressure day (overcast and
damp). Inside the home, normal household appliances,
such as clothes dryers and forced air furnaces compete
for air resulting in inadequate amounts of air available
to fuel a fire and create a condition known as negative
pressure. Under extreme conditions of negative pres-
sure
the combustion by-products can be drawn from the
chimney and into the house. This condition is commonly
referred to as down drafting.There are several factors
that impact the amount of air available in the home.
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 about whether or not there is sufficient
air in your home for your stove, refrain from using
those appliances known to consume the air where
possible, or open a window or door to allow air to
enter the home.
Environmental Conditions
High trees, low lying house location such as in a
valley, tall buildings or structures surrounding your
house and windy conditions can cause pool draft or
down drafting.
Cold Chimney Temperature
Avoid cold chimney temperatures by burning a hot
fire for the first fifteen to forty minutes, 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.
Where possible, install a temperature gauge on the
chimney so temperature drops can be seen.
Chimney Installation and Maintenance
Avoid using too many elbows or long horizontal runs.
If in doubt, contact a chimney expert and/or chimney
manufacturer for help. Clean chimney, rain caps and
especially spark arrester regularly, to prevent cresote
build-up, which will significantly reduce chimney draw
and may cause a chimney fire.
10. Should I close or open the air control fully when
shutting down the stove?
When shutting down the stove, fully open the air
control. This allows the chimney temperatures to
remain as high as possible for as long as possible.
Cold chimney temperatures create creosote.
NOTE: This sheet is intended as an aid and does not
supersede any local, provincial or state requirements.
Check with officials or authorities having jurisdiction in
your area.
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