Flue

• A clean flue creates a draft that pulls air into the stove for efficient combustion and carries off airborne combustion particles. When the flue is open, the stove should draft well. If the flue is blocked by leaves, soot deposits, animal invaders or bird nests, the fire does not exhaust and smoke builds up in the stove. Clean the flue regularly and check for any obstructions. Check the flue to be sure it correctly fits the stove pipe. Install a cap to reduce obstructions. When you light the stove fire, hold burning paper or kindling under the flue. The heat from the torch boosts the flow of hot air through the flue, thereby reducing smoke.
  
  

Ventilation

• A wood-burning stove needs constant ventilation. Clean combustion results when the wood burns with little smoke. If the fireplace smokes excessively, the fire may not have enough air. Energy-efficient homes have tight-fitting windows and doors that allow in air. This restricts the air available for the wood stove fire. Open a window near the stove or direct a small fan to the fire. If the smoke goes away or stops, adding more outside air through a vent or window may solve the problem.
  
  

Fuel

• Check your fuel. If the wood is green or unseasoned, it smolders and burns slowly. This causes smoke in the stove, as the fire is not hot enough to carry smoke up the chimney. If you throw kindling or paper on the slow fire and the smoke goes away, the problem is your fuel. A clean fire starts with newspaper and dry kindling topped with seasoned hardwood. Seasoned hardwood contains 20 percent moisture or less. Unseasoned wood contains 50 percent moisture or more. Use a mix of seasoned softwood and hardwood fuel for an efficient fire.
  
  

Maintenance

• Read the manual and follow guidelines for inspecting and caring for your wood stove. Check dampers for smooth operation. Creosote or soot buildup can block damper movement. Inspect stove gaskets, because leaking or missing gaskets affect the air flow and combustion. Glass should be intact and vents clear of ash deposits. Check the flue temperature and adjust the temperature as needed to assure good exhaust flow. Use only approved fuels and do not burn plastics or trash that may cause smoke or fire problems.