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Heatilator • ST42A • 35038 Rev G • 02/05
31
Diagnostic Questions Possible Causes of Condition Solutions
Is the damper open? • No draft Open damper.
Is there enough paper/starter? • Insuffi cient heat to ignite kindling Use more paper/starter.
Is there enough kindling?
Is the kindling dry?
• Insuffi cient heat to ignite fuel Use more dry kindling.
Is there enough or too much
wood? Is it too large? Is it dry
enough?
• Insuffi cient heat to establish draft Use small split wood that is well seasoned (split, covered on top at
least 6 months, preferably a year).
• Insuffi cient air passage
• Insuffi cient surface area
• Ignition temperature high due to moisture
Are there adequate air spaces
between fuel pieces?
• Insuffi cient combustion air and exposed
surface area
Arrange kindling and wood for air movement.
Is the chimney pre-warmed? • Exposed, cold chimney down drafting Use lighted rolled newspaper at throat or fl ue opening to start
upward movement.
Is there smoke in the house? • Damper closed Check damper; have chimney checked if it worked previously;
pre-warm chimney, shut off exhaust devices, open window slightly.
• Obstruction in chimney
• Downdraft from chimney temperature or
from negative house pressure
Does the kindling, wood not
ignite?
• Condition, amount, arrangement of kindling
and fuel
Use more, drier, well-spaced kindling and fuel.
Does the kindling ignite, but the
fuel doesn’t?
• Amount of kindling Use more kindling; use smaller, dry wood.
• Condition of fuel
Does the fuel ignite, but not
burn well?
• Condition of fuel Use well-seasoned wood and suffi cient amount; turn exhaust fans
off; open window slightly. Perform Simplifi ed House Pressure Test.
• Draft problem
B. Diagnostics and Problem Solving
I don’t get enough/any heat from the fi replace. What can I do about it?
Diagnostic Questions Possible Causes of Condition Solutions
How much wood is used for
fi re?
• Insuffi cient fuel Make larger fi res.
How well seasoned is the
wood?
• Condition of fuel Burn seasoned wood: covered on top, split and stacked for 9
months to 2 years.
Do you have a blower (where
possible)?
• Yes: Turning blower on too early or setting
too high, cooling fi rebox
No: Need for all heat boosts possible
Yes: Wait until fi re established and leave on lower speed.
No: Add blower if available.
How much heat output do you
expect?
• Unrealistic expectations Explanation of decorative nature of fi replace; suggestion of
approved fi replace insert.
I can’t get a good fi re going. What am I doing wrong?