A Word About Wood Stove Burning Issues

The number of homes that have wood stoves installed has increased over the last few years. Many are new to wood burners and have little to no prior experience with operating and maintaining a wood stove. For most, the reason for installing a wood stove is to reduce heating costs during the colder months, but they don’t always realize what they are getting themselves into until issues arise.

Inexperienced wood burners run into some issues that they didn’t expect during their first burning season or two, but so do experienced wood burners. But Northline Express is here to help with some of the most common wood burning issues.

Many of the questions that we receive are regarding strange odors or issues with smoke coming from the wood stove. We'll go over these issues and explain what could be causing them.

Strange Smells

Let's get the strange odors cause out of the way. Normally this type of issue comes up when a brand-new wood stove or stove pipe has been installed. What you are smelling is the paint on the outside of the stove heating up. It may even smoke just a bit. With a new wood stove, it takes many fires being burned for the stove to fully cure and for the smell to go away.

The same goes for newly installed stove pipe. No matter if it is black painted or stainless steel, there will be an odor and possible smoking during the first few fires. It is normal to smell this odor for a few days but if the issue persists for up to four or five days you should contact the manufacturer or the company to which you purchased the wood stove from.

Smoking Issues

Now for the #1 subject for wood stove issues…smoking. Many wood burners will experience issues for one reason or another throughout their wood burning season with smoke leaking out into the room. These issues can occur no matter the age of the wood stove or experience of the wood burner.

The Chimney Run– Check the entire chimney run for any obstructions and don’t forget to look at the chimney cap. If the chimney cap is clogged, it can prevent the smoke from getting out and cause it to back up in the chimney stack and eventually leak into the room. Also, take a peek into the chimney stack to make sure that no twigs, leaves, or other obstructions have made the way into it.

Door Seals – If you are seeing smoke leak from around the load door or the ash dump door it very well could be because the rope gasket has broken down and needs to be replaced. This is a simple task to complete. Just purchase a replacement gasket kit and follow the easy instructions.

Northline Express has an impressive assortment of wood stoves in small, medium, and large sizes.

If you are needing any a wood stove accessories, Northline Express has got you covered. We have stove boards, hearth rugs, maintenance items, firewood cart, carriers, hearth racks, and holders, and much, much more.

Northline Express is here to answer all your questions. Feel free to give us a toll free call at 1-877-734-2458 or email us at fireplaceorders@onlinestores.com.