New Stove, Lots of Smoke/Screeching Fire Alarm

I fired it up my Homestead stove at my newly built to be retirement home. Didn't get the results I'd hoped for. Both evenings I smoked the place pretty bad in starting the fire and then it burned out of control and cold again 6hrs later.

I expect the stormy wind plays a roll.

Using newspaper, small 1" and progressively larger to 3" oak to start. Smoke from the door until shut. All wood oak/hickory mix from trees downed 11months ago. Once it flames up, the control is pushed away toward back of stove to slow the air. An hour or 2 later with flames licking down, I slowly open door and east/west stack 2 3" dia and 1 5" dia hardwood (16 to 18in); smoke pours into the room at this time setting off the fire alarm. I haven't bought a thermometer yet (kinda disappointed at the lack of info when buying stove and set up), the room gets 78, my drywall is too hot too touch and the place cold 6hrs later. The stove emits an ominus roar. There's about 15' straight up triple wall 6" flue. It's needed most nights to back up the minimally performing reverse heat pump.

I read that some use foil around the air control to slow the overburn. Also I've ordered a stove backing to help with the drywall temps. I'll be out there again this last week of January. I don't need it during the 40+ degree days as the reverse heat pump takes over so firing up every evening may be routine.

Should I hold off using the stove running little 110volt heaters instead if windy? I seem to be doing a balancing act between getting easy to start wood and hot coals vs long burning wood and tamer coals. Any suggestions?

OK, my trepidation at least has a basis! The house went way over schedule to be built and I'm living 2100 miles away. There was heavy tile that didn't get installed for the hearth and wall. Was gald to button up the build and be done. Probably forgot what was needed and then scanned later, the manual said several times, "Freestanding" I may of jumped to conclude a hearth was only required for the 4" legs, big oversight on my part there. But the wall clearance should be in spec once the back cover gets installed. There's 16" now and 13" is required with a back cover. Will check that. No more fires 'till a hearth is in place. By the way, not too many wood stoves here in southern Cali. as there's bad air issues. Didn't know paint stored outdoors would freeze either. Anyway, the 1st I heard of checking stove temps was after this experience and doing some reading on this forum. Like I say, dissappointed that the seller just wanted to take my money and load the stove.

I did start with 2 little 'break in' fires. Then a severe cold Nov snap hit the week I was in there and tried regular fires. Seems the air control ought to choke a fire down to at least mild mannered or even put it out. I had no idea the burn couldn't be controlled. To restate, the flue is triple lined 6".

"Single-wall pipe gets hot!"

Flue pipe is triple-walled. Had to drive an hour plus away to find an additional 2 feet.

Ahh, single or double wall in the house, don't know. They needed some triple wall last summer before they could finish above the roof and couldn't get it at a home improvement store. I should make time for the stove my next trip, just have limited time. I'll not burn until changes made. Plan to install a damper so will see if single or double.

Contractor help hooked up the stove a year after the house was scheduled to be completed. Install was delayed so long, I believe plans for installation were forgotten, then 2 young minions dashed over there between jobs, hooked it up and I trusted the install. When I was in there for a week in Nov a cold snap hit. I then learned how inadequate reverse heat pumps are in freezing weather. After small breakin burns and thinking of a tame fire, I loaded it with hardwood.

Hearth pad, stove backing, and flue damper are waiting to be picked up my next trip out. Appreciate the safety warnings.

I believe this to be part 2 of the answer I need: Install a damper in the flue/chimney. With only an understanding of a fire while out backpacking, cutting off the air at one end and restricting at the other end surely will tame it.