Windy Day.....Crazy Draft

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DavidV

New Member
Nov 20, 2005
792
Richmond VA
Wind is blowing hard outsided. temp is in upper 40's. and my stove is drafting like mad. I have a clay chimney and since it's oversized for the stove, it usually does OK bbut nothing like this. When I started the fire a couple hours ago there was no wind so it burn ed normal. I reloaded it about 30 minutes ago and the wind has been really blowing outside. It seems to have increased my draft substantially. First thought I had was chimney fire but I checked outside and nosigns of such. I engaged the cat and my fire box was still full of flame....FULL of yellow flame. burning 2 year seasoned oak and elm. 4 larg splits on a bed of coals. Stove surface temp 550. I have reduced the air intake and it's still burning crazy. Only thing I can figure is the high wind is contributing to the draft. According to my chimney guy my chimney is 28 feet. External (end of the house) brick chimney.
 
My installer insisted on only using the Correct size liner (6") For my stove. He said he wouldn't install it any other way. the main issue being "Proper" draft.

Just my .02
 
I also notice a difference in burning with the different weather conditions. I get a much stronger draft and quicker burn times with cold temps and windy conditions.
 
Like Todd says, I usually get better draft with colder temps, but have not really noticed a difference with wind. The wind may have a lot to do with individual situations, though. The thing that gets me is you say you have 4 large oak splits burning and the temps are in the upper 40's outside? Holy Cow!! Whaddya do when it gets cold? :)

Corey
 
Wind is blowing fierce here today too (central Virginia) - gale force winds. I have been expecting it to have an impact on my stove but nothing so far. Good.
 
Runs with scissors, I don't have a steel liner yet. Soi the insert is just stuffed into the fireplace. Like I said, it drafts ok but not what it probly will wen I add the liner. I usually have to keep the auxilliary air intake (a 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch door on the ashpan that allows air to come up thru the ash grate) open to get the proper draft.


Corey, it was upper 40's but I knew the temp was going down to the 30's as the day went on and we hadn't had a fire so I started it up. 4 large splits actually gives me less heat than the 6-8 smaller splits I usually put in there when it gets cold. Last night we had people over and I was asked to open the back door. it was 30's outside and 80 in the living room. HOOOHHAAAGHH!!! Love this old stove.

Wahoowad, I'm in Richmond so it's same wind system that was buffeting me. they call for winds again today but I havn't seen em yet. I've got to get off my lazy butt and do something today. Might take the boys to the gun show.
 
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