Expert: James Ball - 1/31/2011

Question
QUESTION: We have just installed a wood burning broiler in our home. My question is why is it that every time we open the door to throw wood in the fire the smoke pours out of the front and our house fills up we/ smoke. We have the bottom draft door open the Flue open the whole way it draws except when you open the door to throw wood in it. what is going on? It is driving me nuts!!

ANSWER: Hello Brina, you have a negative pressure issue, try opening a door or window (3-4") near that boiler before you open the door this will relieve the pressure in the home and you should have no more smoke as soon as the boiler door is closed, close the window/door.
James

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QUESTION: Ok we had taken your advice and tried it but it did not work at all just as much smoke as it always does UGHHHHHHHHHH!!!

ANSWER: Brina, does it need to be cleaned? I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have, they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: we Just bought it refurbished off Ebay and we have only been burning in it for about 1 month it just started smoking like that the other day  creo. is caked all over dripping down the side by the door crates r coer t he whole inside box is covered w/ the creo. It draws real good when you have the draft and the bottom door opened you can actually hear it drawing. we have had a regualr wood burner for years and just swithced to the boiler the whole system is not working right in my opion.

Answer
Brina, was it "Refurbished" correctly? it sounds like you are not using it right or it is not working right or it was not installed correctly or all, what does the owners manual state for proper operating temp, is it sized correctly. in most cases the user is not burning correctly and that is creating a VERY dangers  fire  hazard.
DO NOT USE THIS BOILER ANY MORE until is it inspected by a Certified Sweep and check with your local building department for local building codes in your area.
James