Expert: James Ball - 10/16/2008

Question
I am new to using a wood stove, and the home we rent has one...I know how to build the fire, but anytime I open the stove door, massive amounts of smoke come out, filling the room...is this normal? I fear that it can give us CO poisoning...how would I know if there is a problem? The wood stove is barrel shaped with a door on the right end of it, each end has a sliding handle that opens these vent holes...I was told to open those until the fire starts then close 1/2 way after that...please help, I do not want to kill my family trying to keep warm!

Answer
Hello Tamara, what you are explaining is called "negative pressure" with out the manual for the stove you will have to learn how to use it, try opening and closing both vents. as far as the smoke goes try opening a window or door a few inches before you open the door to add more wood. that should do the trick. If you are using to another wood stove, fireplace, dryer vent, kitchen exhaust fans, or the boiler kicks on they all pull air out of the house....might need some investigation and make up air for the home.
hope this helped
James Ball