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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Version 7.1
31
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Fireplace smokes Chimney cap restricted
Clean the chimney cap and remove any debris
that may have accumulated in the screen.
Damper not adjusted
Secure the damper into the open position.
Downdraft
Add a chimney cap designed to prevent
downdrafts.
Obstruction
Remove tree limbs or obstruction at least 10’
from top of chimney or increase chimney
height.
Atmospheric conditions
Occasional atmospheric conditions will cause a
smoking condition if the chimney pipe is not
straight up. It is best to wait for conditions to
change before burning with the doors open.
Chimney obstruction
Check the flue system for obstructions and
clean.
Too many flues to a
chimney
Consult with Certified Chimney Expert.
House too tight
Open windows at first floor and close upper
floor windows.
Paint curing
New heaters always smoke on start up as the
paint is heated. Open windows and doors for
ventilation.
Leaky chimney
Joint leaks or mortar leaks will cause the draft
to be weak. Use cement or mortar to correct
these leaks.
Glass gets dirty (optional doors) Wet wood
Dry wood produces much less creosote
buildup than wet wood and less glass staining.
Normal buildup
A damp cloth dipped in wood ashes works
well. Regular household glass cleaners are not
effective in cleaning glass. Using abrasives
such as steel wool or powder abrasives
permanently damages glass. Approved
Fireplace glass cleaners are available.
Position of fire
Burning logs, close to the glass, will tend to
dirty the glass.
Lack of Heat Wet wood
Dry wood produces almost twice the BTU’s
and burns at the same rate as wet wood.
Wood cut in January and allowed to dry will
give excellent results for the fall season.
Too small a fire
When starting a fire allow it to burn rapidly for
several minutes to burn off excess creosote. A
well-built fire is much more efficient and heats
better than a few sticks. A fire built next to the
sides of the heater provides much better heat
transfer.
Too high a speed on
blower
Always adjust the speed of the blower to the
size of the fire. Too high a fan speed produces
a cooling effect.