Smokey wood burner help

[dooleysm]

You guys have to keep in mind that you're talking to a Purdue grad, so you'll have to keep your answers alot simpler for him to understand!

GO IU!

 

[dmccarty]

Along with "weather" wind might effect the chimney as well. There are rules of thumb regarding the chimney height and distance from roof peaks. But I think you have to rule out other issues first. Three 90 degree bends is a start.

Later,
Dan

 

[brianidaho]

Check out this site, everything you wanted to know about wood heating and were afraid to ask: Hearth.com Wood Stove and Pellet Stove Forums....and much more! | The Hearth Room.

What you are talking about isn't uncommon with a stove in a basement. The whole interior of the house ends up as somewhat of a "stack", the elevation difference between the basement and main floor causes the whole house to "draw" to some extent, venting air out any leaks, and pulling something of a negative pressure in the basement. The fixes you've heard about seem to be as good as it gets. Is the stairwell to the upstairs open? You could try some weatherstripping around the basement door to help cut down on this stack effect.

Also, you mentioned that even though the stove was old, it was unused. It's common for all stoves to smoke and put off some nasty smelling gasses the first few times they are burned, just curing and burning off paint.

 

[Boiler74]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. It's quite daunting. I'll give it another go, but this time on a warmer day. That way, if I smoke up the place again, I can air it out easier!!!

I do think that some of the smoke came from the "never used" stove. I could see smoke coming off the casing. But I don't think that explains it all.

Once again, thanks to all...... but Dooleysm. You would expect an IU fan to act like that, wouldn't you!!! lol

Josh