I was hoping to get some insight on how others are starting a proper updraft in their chimneys. We use a few small candles and sit them in the firebox to help warm up the draft. But it doesn't always work very well and takes some time. What are you guys and girls doing specifically so I can learn some new tricks.
I like using a propane torch, I shove the torch tip up above the top baffle and ignite the torch. Hold it there for a few minutes to preheat rhe flue and then get the kindling going. Once you ignite the kindling, light the torch again and hold it there above the baffle til the smoke finds the path and usually it's good to go. I generally only have an issue with starting the draft when the outside ambient temp is mild......hope this helps. Merry Christmas!
Candles can work, a torch works well too...but if you have an especially cantankerous chimney, nothing beats a h at gun, or more commonly, a hair dryer...just point it up where the exhaust flow should be headed and let it heat a little...that warms the flue, and provides a lil positive pressure to reverse any downdrafts that may be going on.
I first open a basement window and then use a keyboard blower (Amazon). Rechargeable and I just point it up toward the chimney inside the firebox and pull the trigger. Various size rechargeable "dusters" or blowers are available.
my stove is in the basement. I load my stove with paper and kindling, I then close the door going into the basement from upstairs and open the walk out basement door. this creates draft instantly 100% of the time. then simply light with a match, close the basement door and open the upstairs door.
For many years I used to wad up three newspaper pages and burn them before trying to start a fire. Got a different stove and it seems to need less heat to pull a good draft. Homemade fire starter and whatever scraps I can pull off the splits is usually plenty these days.
Just live where it's cold enough to never stop throwing wood in the stove. Or warm the pipe with a torch.
