Smoking out of the top of the chimney during the 1st hour of burning is normal. You want to minimize smoke spilling into the room when loading your stove by following these steps.
- Open your bypass.
- Open your primary air control.
- Turn off your blower.
- Wait 1-2 minutes before opening the door
There could be several other reasons why your stove is smoking. Here are some common causes:
Dirty Chimney or Stovepipe: A partially blocked chimney can result in poor draft, causing smoke to back up into the room. Check for any obstructions in the chimney or flue. Accumulated creosote in the chimney or stovepipe can lead to increased smoke. Regular chimney cleaning is essential.
Ash Buildup on the Catalytic: You should brush or vacuum ash off of the face of the catalytic every month during the heating season or anytime that the draft slows on your stove. Watch this video for catalytic maintenance: https://youtu.be/dqL4Ckw4Gbs?si=16RzgQmMahKwAO5eBypass was left closed while opening the door: Ensure that the bypass damper is open when starting or reloading a fire. A closed damper can restrict airflow and cause smoke to accumulate. See section 4 of a Kuma owner's manual for complete operating instruction.
Wet or Green Wood: Burning wet or unseasoned wood can smolder and produce more smoke. Make sure your wood is properly seasoned for 1 full year and make sure it is dry before using it in the stove.
Insufficient Room Ventilation: Ensure there is proper ventilation in the room. Insufficient air supply can affect combustion and result in more smoke. If you feel this is the problem, consider installing an outside air vent kit from Kuma. (KA OA 1). Additionally you can open a window when starting your stove to relieve any pressure.
Weather Conditions That Cause Poor Draft
Warm Weather: Draft pressure can be lower in warmer weather causing a weaker draft. This weaker draft can affect the stove's ability to exhaust smoke.
High Winds: Strong winds can disrupt the normal flow of air through a chimney or flue. Wind blowing against the chimney can create turbulence, affecting the draft and reducing its effectiveness.
Low Barometric Pressure: Low barometric pressure, often associated with stormy weather, can contribute to poor draft. The atmospheric pressure outside the building affects the balance of air pressure and can impact the chimney's ability to vent combustion gases.
Temperature Inversions: In certain weather conditions, temperature inversions can occur, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground. This inversion layer can inhibit the upward flow of combustion gases through the chimney.
If the issue persists, feel free to contact us for further assistance.