Smoke Blow Back Issue..Please Help

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C

Chris R

New Member
Dec 31, 2009
11
LI, NY
Hello All,
I'm new to the Hearth & somewhat new to fireplaces, storing & burning wood, etc..

I recently purchased & had installed a Hampton HI300 Wood Insert. My house (two floor coloniel) & chiminey is apx 45 years old. I've have fires in the box for years prior to the insert - no issues. Last night, i lit a fire in the insert using balled newspaper & dry kindleing (as instructed by retailer) with insert door open to create a strong draft & had a MAJOR smoke blow back condition. The smoke poured back into the house, tripped smoke alarms, and caused local FD to arrive. (No harm done just a bad smoke issue.)

I called the retailer to ensure the insert was properly installed. I was informed that 'cold air pockets can exist in chiminey & will cause this effect especially on cold nights.' (Apx 30 degrees last night...not frigid!)

I lit a fire tonight (apx 30 degrees out) & experienced another mild smoke blow back situation.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can avoid repeating this conditon.

Thank you for any / all assistance.
 
I used to have a small stove that always blew back so what I did was got the fire ready then rolled up some paper. lit one end and held it up near the top of the stove close to the pipe and that used to get the draft going then i'd quickly get the paper lit and close the door almost all the way.

Has your chimney been cleaned?
 
Sometimes, when lighting a fire in a cold stove/insert it takes a minute to get the draft going the right way - up. Is your chimney interior or exterior? Crack a window in the insert room prior to lighting up. I use a small propane torch to light my kindling so as to get it hot quick. I've had some real smokers a couple times and it's a pain in the azz sometimes to get the draft going. Best bet is to keep the chimney warm - which isn't realistic for everyone all the time.
Rob
 
I used to have a small stove that always blew back so what I did was got the fire ready then rolled up some paper. lit one end and held it up near the top of the stove close to the pipe and that used to get the draft going then i’d quickly get the paper lit and close the door almost all the way.

Has your chimney been cleaned?
Click to expand...

Had it cleaned apx 6 weeks ago when insert was installed.

My neighbor suggested the same as you ...make a torch out of newspaper & hold up to pipe. I did try it but the bricks surrounding the box prevented me from going straight up to pipe.

Thank you !
 
Sometimes, when lighting a fire in a cold stove/insert it takes a minute to get the draft going the right way - up. Is your chimney interior or exterior? Crack a window in the insert room prior to lighting up. I use a small propane torch to light my kindling so as to get it hot quick. I’ve had some real smokers a couple times and it’s a pain in the azz sometimes to get the draft going. Best bet is to keep the chimney warm - which isn’t realistic for everyone all the time.
Rob
Click to expand...

Thanks, Rob...las t night the FD suggested I do the same - open a door or window to create a stronger draft. I did open my back door (near insert) tonight but smoke persisted.
 
Try to start with a top down fire method(do a search you'll find it or some one will make link), some say ya some na, I'm a ya and like the ease of doing it.
 
Hey Finn - when you want to respond to a post - just hit the "quote" button so you don't have to type the whole post...
BTW - How is your draft right now??
Rob
 
It sounds like this may be a cold and perhaps short exterior chimney or a faulty installation. Can you describe the chimney for us and what was used for connecting the stove? If there is a parts list charge can you list the parts used including length of liner if there is one?

To get the draft reversed watch this video and try this method. It is called top down burning. The objective is to warm up the flue before starting the fire. The newspaper bowties assist the draft.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/default.asp?lang=En&n=8011CD70-1 - watch the video

Here are a couple fire burning articles that also may helpful:
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/tending_a_wood_fire
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/burning_wood_better

If you want to try the newspaper torch, you'll need to hold it in front and slightly above the burntubes at the top front of the stove. The smoke takes a 180 degree turn there before it heads out of the stove.
 
Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire said:
Hey Finn - when you want to respond to a post - just hit the "quote" button so you don't have to type the whole post...
BTW - How is your draft right now??
Rob
Click to expand...

told you I was a 'rookie' (can't type for my life but i sure can copy & paste!)...thanks for the support folks!

She running fine now...the fan is on & the house is warm. It's the start up that's the trouble.
 
BeGreen said:
It sounds like this may be a cold and perhaps short exterior chimney or a faulty installation. Can you describe the chimney for us and what was used for connecting the stove? If there is a parts list charge can you list the parts used including length of liner if there is one?

To get the draft reversed watch this video and try this method. It is called top down burning. The objective is to warm up the flue before starting the fire. The newspaper bowties assist the draft.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/default.asp?lang=En&n=8011CD70-1 - watch the video

Here are a couple fire burning articles that also may helpful:
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/tending_a_wood_fire
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/burning_wood_better

If you want to try the newspaper torch, you'll need to hold it in front and slightly above the burntubes at the top front of the stove. The smoke takes a 180 degree turn there before it heads out of the stove.
Click to expand...

thanks BeGreen, I'm not the computer guy in the neighborhood. I'll let all the fancy stuff to you experienced people ;-)
 
I've filled the firebox with crinkled paper and torched that off in order to clear a large plug of cold air. After the paper burns down build the fire normally. It'll take 2 matches but it's less stressful than a face full of smoke.

Matt
 
BeGreen said:
It sounds like this may be a cold and perhaps short exterior chimney or a faulty installation. Can you describe the chimney for us and what was used for connecting the stove? If there is a parts list charge can you list the parts used including length of liner if there is one?

To get the draft reversed watch this video and try this method. It is called top down burning. The objective is to warm up the flue before starting the fire. The newspaper bowties assist the draft.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/default.asp?lang=En&n=8011CD70-1 - watch the video

Here are a couple fire burning articles that also may helpful:
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/tending_a_wood_fire
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/burning_wood_better

If you want to try the newspaper torch, you'll need to hold it in front and slightly above the burntubes at the top front of the stove. The smoke takes a 180 degree turn there before it heads out of the stove.
Click to expand...

thanks for ALL the info, Be...i don;t have an itemized list for the install but it does state..'25' stainless steel liner' for my exterior chimney
 
EatenByLimestone said:
I've filled the firebox with crinkled paper and torched that off in order to clear a large plug of cold air. After the paper burns down build the fire normally. It'll take 2 matches but it's less stressful than a face full of smoke.

Matt
Click to expand...

This method is what has been working for me as well. Otherwise I end with lots of smoke back inside. After reloading a top down fire I leave the door open about 3" for extra air early on and this helps. I close the door after about 3-5 minutes.
 
Cudos said:
EatenByLimestone said:
I've filled the firebox with crinkled paper and torched that off in order to clear a large plug of cold air. After the paper burns down build the fire normally. It'll take 2 matches but it's less stressful than a face full of smoke.

Matt
Click to expand...

This method is what has been working for me as well. Otherwise I end with lots of smoke back inside. After reloading a top down fire I leave the door open about 3" for extra air early on and this helps. I close the door after about 3-5 minutes.
Click to expand...

Thank you one & all...a Happy New to You, too!

I'm running some errands & will re-light her tonight using your suggestions.
 
Cudos said:
EatenByLimestone said:
I've filled the firebox with crinkled paper and torched that off in order to clear a large plug of cold air. After the paper burns down build the fire normally. It'll take 2 matches but it's less stressful than a face full of smoke.

Matt
Click to expand...

This method is what has been working for me as well. Otherwise I end with lots of smoke back inside. After reloading a top down fire I leave the door open about 3" for extra air early on and this helps. I close the door after about 3-5 minutes.
Click to expand...

i just lit a fire...opened a window & door, used a newspaper 'torch' but still got some smoke blow back.
 
Finn McCool said:
Hello All,
I'm new to the Hearth & somewhat new to fireplaces, storing & burning wood, etc..

I recently purchased & had installed a Hampton HI300 Wood Insert. My house (two floor coloniel) & chiminey is apx 45 years old. I've have fires in the box for years prior to the insert - no issues. Last night, i lit a fire in the insert using balled newspaper & dry kindleing (as instructed by retailer) with insert door open to create a strong draft & had a MAJOR smoke blow back condition. The smoke poured back into the house, tripped smoke alarms, and caused local FD to arrive. (No harm done just a bad smoke issue.)

I called the retailer to ensure the insert was properly installed. I was informed that 'cold air pockets can exist in chiminey & will cause this effect especially on cold nights.' (Apx 30 degrees last night...not frigid!)

I lit a fire tonight (apx 30 degrees out) & experienced another mild smoke blow back situation.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can avoid repeating this conditon.

Thank you for any / all assistance.
Click to expand...

My Harmon Oakwood with the recommended SS insulated chimney did the same thing, smoke in the the house due to down draft. I just set up a hugh fan to blow the smoke out. Then one day my wife suggested using a propane torch, she is so smart! I put a broad tip on the torch so it spews out a large yellow flame and hold it right under the flu for 2 minutes (the cold air fights the flame for a few seconds initially). Then I quickly light the paper and kindling. No more smoke blow back! Just remember to put the torch in a safe place.
 
grateful said:
Finn McCool said:
Hello All,
I'm new to the Hearth & somewhat new to fireplaces, storing & burning wood, etc..

I recently purchased & had installed a Hampton HI300 Wood Insert. My house (two floor coloniel) & chiminey is apx 45 years old. I've have fires in the box for years prior to the insert - no issues. Last night, i lit a fire in the insert using balled newspaper & dry kindleing (as instructed by retailer) with insert door open to create a strong draft & had a MAJOR smoke blow back condition. The smoke poured back into the house, tripped smoke alarms, and caused local FD to arrive. (No harm done just a bad smoke issue.)

I called the retailer to ensure the insert was properly installed. I was informed that 'cold air pockets can exist in chiminey & will cause this effect especially on cold nights.' (Apx 30 degrees last night...not frigid!)

I lit a fire tonight (apx 30 degrees out) & experienced another mild smoke blow back situation.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can avoid repeating this conditon.

Thank you for any / all assistance.
Click to expand...

My Harmon Oakwood with the recommended SS insulated chimney did the same thing, smoke in the the house due to down draft. I just set up a hugh fan to blow the smoke out. Then one day my wife suggested using a propane torch, she is so smart! I put a broad tip on the torch so it spews out a large yellow flame and hold it right under the flu for 2 minutes (the cold air fights the flame for a few seconds initially). Then I quickly light the paper and kindling. No more smoke blow back! Just remember to put the torch in a safe place.
Click to expand...


Thanks Greatful..someone else suggested the same...i don't have a torch in house + think it's a little extreme but i may need to resort to it if i don't have a better solution.
 
Finn McCool said:
Sometimes, when lighting a fire in a cold stove/insert it takes a minute to get the draft going the right way - up. Is your chimney interior or exterior? Crack a window in the insert room prior to lighting up. I use a small propane torch to light my kindling so as to get it hot quick. I’ve had some real smokers a couple times and it’s a pain in the azz sometimes to get the draft going. Best bet is to keep the chimney warm - which isn’t realistic for everyone all the time.
Rob
Click to expand...

Thanks, Rob...las t night the FD suggested I do the same - open a door or window to create a stronger draft. I did open my back door (near insert) tonight but smoke persisted.
Click to expand...
When you open a door or window, make sure that air is coming IN that opening (use a door on the upwind side of the house). If it's going OUT, it will only make matters worse.
 
Finn McCool said:
Hello All,
I'm new to the Hearth & somewhat new to fireplaces, storing & burning wood, etc..

I recently purchased & had installed a Hampton HI300 Wood Insert. My house (two floor coloniel) & chiminey is apx 45 years old. I've have fires in the box for years prior to the insert - no issues. Last night, i lit a fire in the insert using balled newspaper & dry kindleing (as instructed by retailer) with insert door open to create a strong draft & had a MAJOR smoke blow back condition. The smoke poured back into the house, tripped smoke alarms, and caused local FD to arrive. (No harm done just a bad smoke issue.)

I called the retailer to ensure the insert was properly installed. I was informed that 'cold air pockets can exist in chiminey & will cause this effect especially on cold nights.' (Apx 30 degrees last night...not frigid!)

I lit a fire tonight (apx 30 degrees out) & experienced another mild smoke blow back situation.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can avoid repeating this conditon.

Thank you for any / all assistance.
Click to expand...

Finn, I'm wondering about that statement about the insert door open. How far open? Sometimes folks take that to mean leave it wide open. That is not usually the way it is done. We usually open the door and turn the latch, then close it. When the latch hits the stove, it leave a crack of at most an inch. Any further open makes things worse. Sometimes we don't have it cracked that far open. Just a suggestion. Good luck.
 
If I'm starting a fire in a cold stove, first thing I do is check to see if there is cold air coming into the insert (down draft). If there is I leave the insert door open, open the nearest window, and then get the wife's hair dryer. Aim the dryer up in the insert and put her on high for 2 min, watch out for the ash though. That will usually do the trick to get the draft going, then I build a small hot fire to get it really moving. Hope this helps you out.
 
Backwoods Savage said:
Finn McCool said:
Hello All,
I'm new to the Hearth & somewhat new to fireplaces, storing & burning wood, etc..

I recently purchased & had installed a Hampton HI300 Wood Insert. My house (two floor coloniel) & chiminey is apx 45 years old. I've have fires in the box for years prior to the insert - no issues. Last night, i lit a fire in the insert using balled newspaper & dry kindleing (as instructed by retailer) with insert door open to create a strong draft & had a MAJOR smoke blow back condition. The smoke poured back into the house, tripped smoke alarms, and caused local FD to arrive. (No harm done just a bad smoke issue.)

I called the retailer to ensure the insert was properly installed. I was informed that 'cold air pockets can exist in chiminey & will cause this effect especially on cold nights.' (Apx 30 degrees last night...not frigid!)

I lit a fire tonight (apx 30 degrees out) & experienced another mild smoke blow back situation.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can avoid repeating this conditon.

Thank you for any / all assistance.
Click to expand...

Finn, I'm wondering about that statement about the insert door open. How far open? Sometimes folks take that to mean leave it wide open. That is not usually the way it is done. We usually open the door and turn the latch, then close it. When the latch hits the stove, it leave a crack of at most an inch. Any further open makes things worse. Sometimes we don't have it cracked that far open. Just a suggestion. Good luck.[/quote

Thanks, Dennis
I leave the insert door open apx 2 -3 " - w/ draft control rod in full open position. If i close door completely, the flame dies out. I will follow your suggestion & open door apx 1".
Click to expand...
 
i3bpvh said:
If I'm starting a fire in a cold stove, first thing I do is check to see if there is cold air coming into the insert (down draft). If there is I leave the insert door open, open the nearest window, and then get the wife's hair dryer. Aim the dryer up in the insert and put her on high for 2 min, watch out for the ash though. That will usually do the trick to get the draft going, then I build a small hot fire to get it really moving. Hope this helps you out.
Click to expand...

Hair dryer. ..I will def keep this idea in mind...thank you!
 
Finn McCool said:
Hello All,
I'm new to the Hearth & somewhat new to fireplaces, storing & burning wood, etc..

I recently purchased & had installed a Hampton HI300 Wood Insert. My house (two floor coloniel) & chiminey is apx 45 years old. I've have fires in the box for years prior to the insert - no issues. Last night, i lit a fire in the insert using balled newspaper & dry kindleing (as instructed by retailer) with insert door open to create a strong draft & had a MAJOR smoke blow back condition. The smoke poured back into the house, tripped smoke alarms, and caused local FD to arrive. (No harm done just a bad smoke issue.)

I called the retailer to ensure the insert was properly installed. I was informed that 'cold air pockets can exist in chiminey & will cause this effect especially on cold nights.' (Apx 30 degrees last night...not frigid!)

I lit a fire tonight (apx 30 degrees out) & experienced another mild smoke blow back situation.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can avoid repeating this conditon.

Thank you for any / all assistance.
Click to expand...

Good morning.
Installing the stove, pipe and chimney to code took me 2 weeks, the first light up was really disappointing- a room full of smoke. My solution was to keep the stove burning 24/7. Well, try that for 2 years. No way would I consider more chimney height and the stove shop suggested building an insulated structure around the chimney. Too much work and no guarantee of up draft.
I thought the torch idea was extreme too! Then I wondered how the pencil point flame would generate any heat in a 6" stove pipe. The broad tip did the job! The torch comes in a kit with a few different tips, I'm guessing at $20. They are very handy and are a necessity for copper plumbing repairs and ceased bolts. I've heated with wood for 25 years, this is the first time I've experienced a down draft problem.
 
grateful said:
Finn McCool said:
Hello All,
I'm new to the Hearth & somewhat new to fireplaces, storing & burning wood, etc..

I recently purchased & had installed a Hampton HI300 Wood Insert. My house (two floor coloniel) & chiminey is apx 45 years old. I've have fires in the box for years prior to the insert - no issues. Last night, i lit a fire in the insert using balled newspaper & dry kindleing (as instructed by retailer) with insert door open to create a strong draft & had a MAJOR smoke blow back condition. The smoke poured back into the house, tripped smoke alarms, and caused local FD to arrive. (No harm done just a bad smoke issue.)

I called the retailer to ensure the insert was properly installed. I was informed that 'cold air pockets can exist in chiminey & will cause this effect especially on cold nights.' (Apx 30 degrees last night...not frigid!)

I lit a fire tonight (apx 30 degrees out) & experienced another mild smoke blow back situation.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how I can avoid repeating this conditon.

Thank you for any / all assistance.
Click to expand...

Good morning.
Installing the stove, pipe and chimney to code took me 2 weeks, the first light up was really disappointing- a room full of smoke. My solution was to keep the stove burning 24/7. Well, try that for 2 years. No way would I consider more chimney height and the stove shop suggested building an insulated structure around the chimney. Too much work and no guarantee of up draft.
I thought the torch idea was extreme too! Then I wondered how the pencil point flame would generate any heat in a 6" stove pipe. The broad tip did the job! The torch comes in a kit with a few different tips, I'm guessing at $20. They are very handy and are a necessity for copper plumbing repairs and ceased bolts. I've heated with wood for 25 years, this is the first time I've experienced a down draft problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks , Grateful...i will add it to the list of options...you folks have all been great!
 
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