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VARDE

Combustion issues

Issues with combustion in your stove can be due to a variety of causes.

Below you can read about the various causes of combustion issues and what action you can take to get your stove’s combustion back on track.

Lit wood-burning stove beside a sofa in a living room

Smoke seeping into the room:

  • Bad chimney draught.
  • Check the smoke outlet or chimney for blockages.
  • Check that chimney height is appropriate for your surroundings.

Soot on glass and/or from the chimney:

  • Your firewood is too damp.
  • Combustion air flow is too low (secondary air).
  • You reduced ignition air flow too early when starting the fire.
  • Flames in the combustion chamber must always be clear.

The stove is not producing heat:

  • The firewood is too damp (energy is consumed drying) or is too poor quality.
  • Check the position of the smoke inverter plate (free smoke movement).
  • Combustion air (secondary air) flow is inadequate.

Combustion is out of control:

  • The seals in the door or ash pan are no longer airtight (need replacing).
  • Chimney draught is too strong (install a throttle in the chimney).
  • Check that ignition air flow has been closed.

The shaker grate has seized:

  • Check that there is no wood, nails etc. that has got stuck.
  • Check that the shaker grate rod is seated correctly.