The Glass Soots Up Rapidly or Unevenly
If this issue was not present immediately after installation, review the following troubleshooting checkpoints:
- Fuel quality: Are you burning seasoned wood with less than 20% moisture content? Wet wood is the number one cause of black glass.
- Transition season: Is it mild autumn or spring weather? Outside air temperatures close to indoor temperatures weaken natural chimney draft.
- Airflow control: Is the secondary airwash lever open during combustion?
- Obstructions: Are the ash grate or combustion air channels blocked by excess ash?
- Door seal: Inspect the fiberglass door gasket. If the gasket is worn or loose, cold air enters unevenly and causes localized glass sooting.
Difficult to Light or Keep the Fire Burning
If lighting the fire is difficult, check the following:
- Is the chimney cold or creating a downdraft? Pre-warm the flue before lighting full logs.
- Are all air dampers fully opened during start-up?
- Is external fresh air supply free of blockages (e.g., leaves or snow at the exterior vent)?
- Is another exhaust appliance (kitchen hood, central vacuum) pulling air out of the room?
Fire Burns Too Quickly or Consumes Too Much Wood
If wood burns away excessively fast:
- Did you reduce the primary air control once the fire was fully established?
- Are you burning very soft, thin wood instead of dense split hardwood logs?
- Is the door latch fully engaged and the door sealed airtight?
- Does the chimney have excessive draft? A draft limiter or damper adjustment may be required.
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