Archgard 60-1600I - Manual (Page 17)

Chalet 1600I 17
TROUBLESHOOTING
The most common factors for poor draft are:
a) Air supply/House depressurization
b) Environmental conditions
c) Cold chimneys
d) Poor chimney/connector installation/ design and maintenance
a) Air supply / House depressurization – Inside the home, household appliances such as clothes dryers, bathroom
fan, central vacuums, forced-air furnaces, etc, compete for air, resulting in air starvation to the fire. This creates
a condition known as negative pressure. When a negative pressure situation is experienced, the combustion
gases can be drawn from the chimney and into the house. This condition is commonly referred to as down-
drafting. Increased amounts of insulation, vinyl windows and extra caulking in various places can all keep heat in
but may also make a home more airtight. Seal the leaks that are high in the house because the house acts as a
chimney and as hot air leaves the house at the ceiling level, more air comes in at lower levels to make up for the
air that leaves. Make sure there is adequate air for the appliance in the house.
b) Environmental Conditions - High trees, low-lying house location such as in a valley, tall buildings or structures
surrounding your house and windy conditions can cause poor draft.
c) Cold Chimney Temperature - Avoid cold chimney temperatures by burning a hot fire for the first fifteen to forty
minutes, being careful not to over-fire the insert. Where possible, install a thermometer on or in the flue pipe so
temperatures can be monitored.
d) Chimney Installation and Maintenance - Avoid using too many elbows or long horizontal runs. Too short a chim-
ney can cause difficult start-up, dirty glass, smoking when door is open, and even reduced heat output. Too tall a
chimney may prompt excessive draft, which can result in very short burn times and excessive heat output. If in
doubt, contact a chimney expert and/or chimney manufacturer for help. Clean chimney, rain caps and especially
the spark arrestor regularly, to prevent creosote build-up, which will significantly reduce chimney draw.
PROBLEM CAUSE CURE
Glass is Dirty 1. Wood is wet Use dry wood
2. Turning down air control or
damper too soon
Do not turn down until:
- there is a good bed of coals
- the wood is charred
3. Draft too low – Improper chim-
ney height and / or diameter
- Chimney plugged or restricted, check flue
- Provide outside air for combustion
4. Door gasket leakage - Replace gasket - Check latch
5. Excessive Creosote Buildup
- See 1,2,3, above
Low Heat Output 1. Wood is wet - Use dry wood
2. Fire too small - Build a larger fire
3. Draft too low - Chimney plugged or restricted, inspect and clean
Will not burn Over-
night 1. Air control is set too high - Set control lower
2. Not enough wood - Un-split wood is preferred for overnight burns
3. Draft too high - Excessive chimney height or small diameter
Cannot establish
proper burn 1. Combustion air supply blocked - Ensure adequate air is available for combustion
2. Draft too low - Chimney liner plugged or restricted, inspect and clean
- Chimney liner oversized or otherwise unsuitable