How can I improve the draft in my chimney?

It is necessary to have a correct chimney draft to get an optimal combustion in the stove. If the chimney is too short, leaks, or is inadequately insulated, problems with the chimney draft (let the chimney sweep assess this) can appear. The chimney draft should be approximately 10-14 Pascal (cold stove).

Poor chimney draft can in some cases be improved by higher flue gas temperature, so a correct combustion is very important. Dry wood, for example, will provide better combustion and a higher temperature in the stove, which will increase the draft in the chimney. Damp wood will create a weaker chimney draft, as the temperature in the stove will be lower, which generates less up draught in the chimney. We recommend using split birch or beech wood with a moisture content not exceeding 18%.

The chimney draft will not be optimal before the chimney is hot. To heat the chimney, you can try prolonging the kindling period by using a lot of kindling sticks and 1-2 firelighter blocks. When there is a layer of embers, put 2-3 dry wood logs on the fire.

Possible solutions to improve the draft:

• Extend the height of the chimney, use insulated pipes.
• Insulate or seal up cracks in the chimney, such as at the cleaning hatch, joints and any inadequate insulation
• Remove obstacles around the chimney, e.g. cut down trees and other possible obstacles.
• Mount an “aspirator”, a rotating chimney cowl that significantly increases the draft and reduces the risk of smoke blowback.
• Mount the smoke exhauster Aduro DraftOptimizer, which ensures a constant, even draft and reduces the smoke and smell nuisances.
• Mount the special kit for the Aduro 9 series, Aduro 9 Flow. With this kit you can simply adjust the stove to give a higher smoke temperature, which will improve the draft.

Consider contacting a chimney sweeper for an assessment. Consider contacting a chimney sweeper for an assessment.

You can buy Aduro DraftOptimizer here.