Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I have what appears to be a smoky haze in my home during the first fire in my new stove?

A: As the stove heats up the paint may put off an odor, and also what appears to be a light smoke.  This is from natural curing of the high temperature paint to the operating temperature of the stove.  If there is any doubt, that this is a smoke odor rather  than a paint odor: go outside, get a breath of fresh air, come back in the house, and it will be obvious that it is a paint odor not smoke.  THIS HAZE WILL NOT DO ANY DAMAGE TO UPHOLSTERY OR PAINTED SURFACES.  IF EXCESSIVE OPEN DOOR OR WINDOW UNTIL AREA CLEARS.

Q: Should I remove catalytic cells for maintenance?

A: NO!  As long as you are able to achieve catalytic temperatures in the range of 600 degrees to 1,500 degrees, you can be assured that you catalyst is functioning properly.

Q: My catalytic says TO HOT.  What is wrong?

A: Nothing is wrong with the stove.  The normal operating temperature of a catalyst is 1,200-1,600 degrees.  Since the probe sits on top of the catalyst it is giving accurate discharge temperatures.  This probe is also made to go into a pipe which would be about 1ft. above the stove.  However the probe is not overheating, because it is sitting on top of the catalyst.

Q: How often should by ashes be cleaned out?

A: Ashes should be cleaned out on a regular basis.  They have no heat value, and take up available firebox space.

Q: Why is smoke coming back into my house?

A: If the temperature is 50 degrees or greater outside you have no up draft in your chimney.  Once the temperature is below 50 degrees and decreases the better your updraft will be.  However, if you have already started a fire and smoke is coming into your house, open a door or window near by and this will induce an updraft.  

Q: What should I set my motor speed at?

A: Ideally you should have your motor set at a lower speed so it can pick up all the available heat off the heat exchanger.  In most cases the blower will be adjusted to the medium position of the rheostat (the round knob that controls the variable speed.)

Q: I have smoked up my glass.  What can I use to clean it?

A: If the glass has a smoke stain it can be wiped off with a wet cloth.   If the stain is caked on you can use a single edged razor blade to remove it.   If it is gummy or thick you should use oven cleaner.  Be careful not to get it on the gold trim though, because it will leave a stain. 

Q: What type of wood should I burn?

A: Good seasoned hard woods such as: Walnut, Hickory, Oak, Locust, Hedge Apple, Cherry, and some hard Maples are fine to burn. 

Q: How do I know when my wood is seasoned?

A: When you look at the wood it should have a grayish tint, which is a sign that the wood has been cut for a long period of time.  Six months is the minimal amount of time it takes to season some wood.   Another way to tell if your wood is seasoned is to look at the ends of the wood to see if there is stress cracks where the moisture has left the wood.  Also seasoned wood will be lighter than non-seasoned wood.

Q: How do I know if I need a stainless steel flue liner?

A: If you have been using your fireplace and have not had any drafting problems, and if your fireplace has a orange clay flue liner; chances are you only need the Buck Stove.  However, if you know in advance that your fireplace has been difficult to light, or has a tendency to back buff smoke into the room then it would be wise to consider Simpson Duraliner for your chimney in order to attain maximum drafting and efficiency of your stove.  Please contact us for any assistance in ordering or installing the liner.