First wood stove, smoke coming out front vent into room?

[Diamante]

Hi Guys,

We just purchased a home with a wood stove in the basement. I have always had a standard fireplace but this is our first wood stove (US Stove model shown below). The original owners had been using it for a couple of years and we used it the first night with no problems at all. However the next night we started a fire with no adjustments on the vent and we suddenly have smoke pouring out through small vents above the door.

The stove has the flue vent handle in the collar at the top of the stove and I quickly adjusted it to the max both ways but smoke was still coming out. I probably need to clean out the stove and stick my head inside to see which way is open but figured I would ask on here if anyone had a idea or suggestion. Thanks in advance! Rick


(broken image removed)

 

[southbalto]

Do you recall if the heat (if forced air) was on...or maybe a clothes dryer? If this happens again, try cracking a nearby window.

 

[Dustin]

A draft issue no doubt.

I would have the chimney swept, who knows how clogged it may be from the previous owners.

 

[Sprinter]

Welcome to the forum.

For others here, this looks like the 2007B model which is an EPA exempt with a built in key damper at the collar.

A couple of questions: What is your wood supply, and what is the flue system? (Is it a class A metal chimney system or a fireplace installation with or without a liner, etc)

Since it's new to you, I'd definitely have the flue inspected and swept if necessary in any case.

 

[etiger2007]

Hold a lit wad of news paper near the top of the fire box, the heat should reverse the draft, happens to us once in a while. But like other said clean the chimney so you know what your working with.

 

[DrawCollarMan]

Basements struggle a bit with negative pressure and cold flues. Does your chimney go out the wall and up or does it go through the house? You will want to preheat the flue when you feel cold air coming out of the stove when opening it.

 

[begreen]

There are lots of things that can reverse pressure in a basement. This could be from a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan, dryer or another appliance like a furnace, using up air. If the stove is connected to a 6" flue all the way up then it may need an outside air kit. If it is not connected to a 6" lined flue then that may be the next step.