Troubleshooting tips
Sometimes we can see that our logfire is not performing as it should be. A smokey room, lack of heat output, and excess ash and smoke coming out of the chimney are signs that our fire is not doing as well as it could be. Fortunately there are lots of ways you can check and test things out yourself.
Below are some of the most common issues people have with their logfire.
Why does the room fill with smoke when I light my fire or open the door?
If your room is filling with smoke when you light your fire or open the door, it's likely that the flue is blocked or not drawing correctly.
To fix this, check the flue for any blockages or obstructions and ensure that it is clean and clear. In addition, make sure that the flue is open when lighting your fire and that the air vents are open to allow for proper ventilation.
Make sure your wood is dry and the fire is built properly.
If these steps do not fix the issue, it may be necessary to contact Chim Chim for further assistance.
Why cant I get my fire started?
If you are having difficulty starting your logfire, there are a few possible causes and solutions you can try.
View our handy fire-starting guide here >
First, make sure that the fuel you are using is of good quality, dry and that the chimney is clear of any blockages. If there is a blockage, contact ChimChim to have it cleared. Make sure the damper is open and that the airflow is open and unobstructed.
If the flue is too cold, try using fire starters to get the fire going.
Once the fire is lit, maintain a steady airflow and check for any sparks or smoke coming from the chimney. If you are still having difficulty starting your logfire contact a Chim Chim professional for an inspection and sweep.
What parts do I need to replace in my logfire
If you are having trouble with your logfire, you may need to replace certain parts.
Common parts to replace include the flue , firebricks, baffles, airtubes, and grates. You should replace these parts straight away if they are broken, or worn out.
When replacing logfire parts, it is important to use the correct components and to install them correctly. You can get in touch with Chim Chim to help you determine what parts need to be replaced and buy them from our online store or Christchuch based showroom.
Why am I having trouble getting heat from my fire
If you're having trouble getting enough heat out of your logfire, it may be due to a build-up of soot and creosote in the chimney or wet wood.
A Master chimney sweep like Chim Chim should be able to inspect and clean the chimney to ensure it is clear and free of obstructions.
In addition, make sure the fire is burning in an efficient manner, with the right amount of fuel and air. If the logfire is still not producing enough heat, it may be necessary to have the flue and chimney liner inspected for any cracks or damage.
Finally, it is extremely important to use the correct type of firewood that is dry, since wet wood will smoke and reduce the efficiency and heat of the fire. Ecan reccomends 25 % or less moisture, while we advise 20 % or less is ideal. We can test your wood when we perform your annual sweep.
Why is my fire making a whistling noise ?
If your logfire is making a whistling noise, it is likely due to harmonics created by air in the airtube or wind coming through a spinning cowl.
Both are problems that can easily be solved, bring your airtube into our store where we can add a material to your airtube which will prevent the whistling, and give us a call about having one of our specially designed anti down draft spinning cowls fitted.
Finally, a whistling noise can also be caused by a blocked air vent, or leak in the flue which can be cleared or repaired by a Chim Chim Master chimney sweep.
Why does my logfire keep going out?
If your logfire keeps going out, there are a number of possible causes.
Firstly, verify that the chimney is clean and clear of any debris, and ensure that the air vents are open.
If the chimney is blocked, there won't be enough air supply for the fire to stay lit. Secondly, check that the fuel-air mixture is correct, as too much air or too little fuel can cause the fire to go out.
Lastly, make sure the flue damper is open, or the fire won't be able to get the oxygen it needs to stay lit. If these solutions don't work, then it's time to call in a professional Chim Chim chimney sweep to inspect and repair your logfire.
