Fun with downdrafts

I struggle with the same issue and attribute it to my external metal chimney. When it gets cold I have to use a blow dryer to move the cold air out of the chimney, if i don't it will pour back into the room but I've never had this problem with my insert which uses a 30' lined masonry chimney. A friend suggested using a candle beforehand to get the heat moving up but I haven't tried it.

One thing I've found works nicely for establishing a draft, is using the gelled alcohol you can buy at home depot or most stove stores I've found - it's sold by Rutland, and I think a lot of pellet burners use it...

But when I need to heat up the flue, I just pour some alcohol in the firebox, light it up and close the door, and it burns without any smoke, and makes good enough heat to get the draft going nicely.

leakypuppy said:

I've never had this problem with my insert which uses a 30' lined masonry chimney.

Click to expand...

Just a few Q's for clarity:
1) Is that chimney external or does it run through your internal home space?
2) Is it lined with single wall solid pipe, double wall pipe, or flexible pipe?
3) Did you insulate the pipe?

53flyer said:

leakypuppy said:

I've never had this problem with my insert which uses a 30' lined masonry chimney.

Click to expand...

Just a few Q's for clarity:
1) Is that chimney external or does it run through your internal home space?
2) Is it lined with single wall solid pipe, double wall pipe, or flexible pipe?
3) Did you insulate the pipe?

Click to expand...

The initial 15' feet are inside a converted porch (now office) but the remaining chimney is exposed. It was lined with flexible pipe and was not insulated...

Skier76 said:

I've heard of using the "Sternos" as well. I may give that a try when things start to get colder out. I'll have to see how the chimney performs.

Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. Should be nice and clean, virtually odorless, even if the draft is down for a little while.