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433-1390D
September 7, 2007
R
7100FP EPA Woodburning Fireplace
10
10
Troubleshooting
This fi replace will operate correctly only if adequate ventila-
tion is provided to allow proper draft to the fi replace system.
Hearth & Home Technologies assumes no responsibility for
the improper performance of the fi replace system caused
by inadequate draft due to environmental conditions, down
drafts, tight sealing construction of the structure, or mechan-
ical exhausting devices which will create a negative air pres-
sure within the structure where the fi replace is located.
A. Understanding Vent Problems
If smoke spillage occurs from a fi replace opening when the
door is open and the proper chimney height, fl ue size, and
confi guration requirements for the installation have been
met, there is either a leakage in the fl ue, a blockage in the
fl ue, or some condition is in effect to draw smoke from the
fi replace into the house. Understanding and differentiating
the conditions which can cause each of these kinds of spill-
age problems is essential to their solution.
• Flue Leakage
Check for improperly connected fl ue joints or a damaged
fl ue joint in the chimney system. Such leakage would
reduce draft (air would be drawn in through the leaks rather
than through the fi replace). The result might be diffi cult
start-up and smoky fi res that might spill if other adverse
draft conditions accompany this problem.
• Flue Blockage
The damper should be open.
B. Draft Problems
If the fi re is hard to start and smoke spills out of the fi replace,
or you fi nd it diffi cult to establish and maintain a moderately
high burn rate, then the fl ue draft is too low and corrective
measures must be taken.
Be sure you have air available for combustion and that your
fi rewood is dry and well seasoned. Build your fi res properly
and according to the instructions given in operating instruc-
tions, “Starting a Fire”. Be sure your fl ue system is installed
correctly and that it is the proper diameter and height. Check
for the following:
This fi replace will operate correctly only if adequate ventila-
tion is provided to allow proper draft to the fi replace system.
Hearth & Home Technologies assumes no responsibility for
the improper performance of the fi replace system caused
by inadequate draft due to environmental conditions, windy
conditions, down drafts, tight sealing construction of the struc-
ture, or mechanical exhausting devices which will create a
negative air pressure within the structure where the fi replace
is located.
Flue draft is measured as negative pressure in the chimney.
The amount of negative pressure determines how strong
the draft is. The draft is important because it draws the com-
bustion air into the fi replace and pulls the smoke out of the
chimney.
There are three basic criteria essential in establishing and
maintaining fl ue draft:
• Availability of combustion air.
• Heat generated from the fi re.
• Diameter and height of the fl ue system.
These three factors work together as a system to create
the fl ue draft. Increasing or decreasing any one of them will
affect the other two and thus change the amount of draft in
the entire system.
• All chimney sections are properly installed.
• The chimney is clean and free of creosote or soot
buildup.
• Make sure overhanging trees and branches are cut
back within ten feet of the top of the chimney and is
free of debris from animals.
• Ensure the chimney cap is clean and free of any
buildup of soot or creosote. if cap is equipped with a
spark arrestor screen.
• Be sure the ceramic blanket (above the baffl e) and
the baffl e are in their proper positions
• The wood being used in dry and well seasoned.
If you still suspect you have a low draft problem it may be
necessary to increase the volume of air in your fl ue system.
Since the diameter of your fl ue system is matched with the
size of the fl ue collar and should not be changed, then the
height of the system must be increased. Add chimney sections
a little at a time until the draft improves.
In some cases, regardless of what you do, it can still be dif-
fi cult to establish the proper fl ue draft. This is especially evi-
dent when using an exterior factory-built chimney or exterior
masonry chimney. Try placing several sheets of crumpled
paper on top of your kindling as close to the fl ue outlet of
the fi replace as possible. Light this paper fi rst then the paper
under the kindling. The heat generated from the rapidly
burning paper on top of the kindling should help get the draft
established.
Still other factors can affect how well your fl ue system per-
forms. Neighboring structures, high winds, tall trees, even
hillsides can affect air currents around the chimney. Well
designed chimney caps are available that can help. Your fi
re-
place dealer is the local expert in your area. He can usually
make suggestions or discover problems that can be easily
corrected allowing your fi replace to operate correctly as it
has been designed, providing safe and economical heat for
your home.