A wood burning stove is a reliable and efficient source of warmth and comfort, but when it starts to smoke up your house, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. In this article, we’ll delve into the technical details of what causes a wood burning stove to emit smoke indoors and provide clear, practical solutions to help you enjoy a smoke-free experience. Whether you’re an experienced stove user or just starting, this information is designed to be straightforward and informative.
- Poor Draft
A common reason for smoke entering your house is a poor draft, which means the stove isn’t receiving enough air for combustion, resulting in incomplete burning of wood and the escape of smoke into the room.
Solution:
- Check that the damper and air intake controls on your stove are open to allow sufficient airflow. Consult your stove’s manual for proper settings.
- Ensure that the chimney and flue are not obstructed by debris or creosote buildup. Regular cleaning is essential.
- Inspect the chimney’s height and location. The chimney should extend above your roofline to create a strong draft.
- Cold Chimney
A cold chimney can lead to poor draft and smoke leakage because it doesn’t create the necessary upward airflow. This often happens when the chimney is too cold compared to the room temperature.
Solution:
- Consider insulating your chimney or using a chimney pipe with an insulated liner.
- Pre-warm the chimney by lighting a small, hot fire before adding larger logs. This helps establish a proper draft.
- Wet or Unseasoned Wood
Burning wet or unseasoned wood can produce excess smoke due to the water content in the wood. The water needs to evaporate before combustion, leading to smoky conditions.
Solution:
- Use only well-seasoned wood with a moisture content of around 20% or less. Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
- Properly store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area to maintain its low moisture content.
- Incorrect Loading and Burning
Improper loading and burning techniques can result in smoky conditions. Overloading the stove or not using the right lighting methods can lead to incomplete combustion.
Solution:
- Follow your stove’s loading guidelines for the type and amount of wood to use.
- Use kindling to start the fire and gradually add larger pieces of wood to maintain a clean, hot burn.
- Avoid smoldering fires by ensuring that the wood is burning brightly and consistently.
Conclusion
A wood burning stove smoking up your house can often be traced back to specific technical issues related to draft, chimney temperature, wood quality, and burning techniques. By addressing these issues, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your wood stove without the inconvenience of indoor smoke. Regular maintenance, proper loading and burning, and attention to air intake controls are key to ensuring a clean and efficient burn. If problems persist, consider seeking professional help to identify and resolve any underlying technical issues with your wood burning stove and chimney.