Phoenix Model 8612 Troubleshooting 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. dryers, bathroom fans or cook stove exhaust fans, are in operation within the home. Outfitting your stove with the optional outside air supply adaptor connected to an air duct leading to the outside of the building should correct this problem. TALL TREES OR BUILDINGS:
These obstructions, when located in close 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. 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. A 400 degree F (200 degree C) stovepipe confirms the stove is supplying sufficient heat. Keep in mind that your house itself will regulate room/house temperatures.
How well the walls, floors and ceilings are insulated, the number and size of glass 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. 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 (low, or dropping atmospheric pressure). This is a weather-related phenomenon, which generally is self- correcting as the weather changes.
Your stove's performance is also dependant on its installation. One common cause of poor performance is an oversized chimney flue. Oversized chimney flues result in decreased velocity (draft), which prevents the smoke from rising out the chimney quickly. 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 the smoke to enter into the room. 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, 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. Generally, the colder the outside air is (relative to room temperature) the stronger the draft. If your chimney is the proper size, and a strong draft is not easily established, there is the possibility of the chimney being too cold. Again, hot chimneys promote a stronger 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 using only small kindling and wood to obtain a quick, hot fire. Tend the fire frequently with small, dry fuel until the chimney is hot and the draft is well established. Slightly opening a window in the same room as the stove during startup can help too. Other draft guidelines are as follows: An "AIRTIGHT" HOUSE: If your home is super- insulated or especially well sealed, the (infiltration) air supply to the interior of the house can be inadequate.
This phenomenon of air starvation within the building can be exacerbated if exhaust fans, such as clothes Hearthstone Quality Home Heating Products, Inc ® www.hearthstonestoves.com 24