Expert: James Ball - 1/5/2009

Question
I am having trouble with my enviro fireplace insert.  I cannot get enough air into the firebox to sustain a good fire.  My house is an older 2 story farm house with a brick layed chimney, the fireplace is on the 1st floor.  The only restoration that has been done is the windows have been replaced.  When I try and light the fire all I get is a room full of smoke because the only way it will burn is with the door open.  Any suggestions on how I can help to create a draft in my chimney.

Answer
Hello Mike, I am assuming the insert is clean and installed correctly, try opening a door or window (all the way) and then light your insert, if it works then you need make up air for that unit (maybe a fresh air intake from the manufacturer) look at it this way if you need 10 gallons of air per minute for that stove to work then you need 10 gallons of air per minute from the house.
keep me posted
James