Slow down draft

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gilmil

Member
Dec 1, 2010
49
Central CT
We have a 2 story colonial with an HI300 insert on the first floor. The chimney is probably 25' high. When things get going in the stove, it really takes off and burns wood like paper. I'm wondering if there's a way to slow down the draft? Would a different chimney cap help?

Thanks,
Gil
 
Do you have a liner?

If not , and if like my masonry flue has a clean out door. Before I sealed it that door would suck alot of air. That air being cooler cools the flue just a little slows down the draw. Plus the flue now divides its draw between the stove and the door. So you could try cracking your clean out door if your flue is not lined. Not sure of your setup with your fireplace.
 
That would only work if the stove had no liner. Even then it could be a bad idea because it would cool down the flue gases while reducing draft.
 
With an insert it is hard to install a MPD (manual pipe damper) since there is no access to the pipe. What I have seen are flue top dampers. I would check with the manufacturer to see what they would recommend. One type that permits adjustable openings is:

http://www.lindemannchimneysupply.com/Chim-A-Lator-Dampers/12-X-12-Chim-A-Lator-Deluxe-Damper.html

My usual warning. If you are going to play with restricting the outlet of your unit make sure your CO alarms are fully functional. I prefer a digital alarm so you can monitor any increase in CO before it gets to alarm/dangerous levels.

KaptJaq
 
Thanks guys. It's fully lined. I might have a leaky door gasket.
 
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