Wood Stove Smoke Enters Home
After I start a fire and have been burning awhile, the flue is good and hot. When I open the door for heat or to put wood in, it starts to smoke from the top of the door. Any help on this matter on what to do will be grateful.
- Question from James in Maryland
* If the stove in an air tight stove, it is usually a good idea to open the air control before opening the door, also if the stove has a damper, it should be opened before the door is opened. Have the chimney checked for a draft restriction, when was the chimney lat cleaned and inspected?
Reply from AIM Chimney Sweep & Stove Shop, Midland, Ontario, Canada
* When you have an established fire you will need to equalize the pressures before you open the stove door fully.
1/ open damper controls/air control
2/ open door a crack - about 1/4-1/2 inch - to allow room air in and once you see the smoke drift out and then drift back THEN you open the door.
An airtight stove will have a different pressure in the stove than your room and if you open the door too fast, your unit will back draft and hit you in the face
Reply from Stan's Fireplace and Chimney Service, Fenton, Michigan
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