Help and advice on one of the most common questions
By Wes Dodd – WD Wood Burner Installations, Poole, Bournemouth & Dorset
One of the most common issues wood burner owners face is poor draw. You light your stove, but instead of a strong flame and cosy heat, smoke spills into the room, the fire struggles to get going, or it burns far too slowly.
As a HETAS-approved installer working across Poole, Bournemouth, and Dorset, I see this problem regularly. While a chimney fan can solve poor draw, in many cases you don’t need one. Often, a few simple fixes will get your stove running safely and efficiently.
Here are the top 5 ways to improve draw before you think about installing a fan.
1. Sweep Your Chimney
The number one cause of poor draw is a dirty or blocked chimney.
- Creosote, soot, and tar reduce airflow.
- Bird nests or debris can block the flue entirely.
- Chimneys that haven’t been swept in over a year almost always underperform.
✅ Solution: Book a professional chimney sweep at least once a year (or twice if you use your burner heavily). At WD Wood Burner Installations, we also provide chimney sweeping across Dorset.
2. Use the Right Fuel
Wet or unseasoned logs create more smoke and less heat, which makes it harder for the chimney to draw properly.
- Logs should be seasoned or kiln-dried, with under 20% moisture.
- Hardwoods like oak or ash give the best burn.
- Avoid burning softwoods (except as kindling), painted wood, or treated timber.
✅ Solution: Buy logs from trusted Dorset suppliers, and check moisture with a cheap moisture meter.
3. Warm the Flue Before Lighting
On cold days, the air inside your chimney can act like a plug, stopping smoke from rising.
✅ Solution: Before lighting your stove, warm the flue:
- Roll up newspaper, light it, and hold it under the flue opening.
- Once the air starts rising, light your stove normally.
This trick often makes all the difference, especially in older properties in areas like Parkstone or Corfe Mullen.
4. Improve Air Supply
Your stove needs oxygen to burn. In modern airtight homes around Upton or Littledown, poor ventilation can reduce draw.
✅ Solution:
- Check that air vents are open and unblocked.
- Open a window slightly when lighting.
- In some cases, a permanent air vent may be required by regulations – I can advise during a site survey.
5. Check Your Chimney and Flue Setup
Sometimes the problem is structural:
- Chimney too short: Common in bungalows or extensions, meaning less natural suction.
- Oversized or undersized liner: Can restrict airflow.
- Poor chimney cap or cowl: Downdrafts caused by wind blowing into the flue.
✅ Solution:
- Extend the chimney if needed.
- Fit the correct flue liner.
- Install an anti-downdraft cowl.
Only once these fixes are tried and tested should you consider a chimney fan.
Comparison Table – Fixes vs Chimney Fan
| Issue | Fix Before a Fan | When a Fan Might Be Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty chimney | Sweep it – usually solves the problem | Rarely needed if properly cleaned |
| Wet logs | Switch to seasoned/kiln-dried | Not relevant – fan won’t fix wet wood |
| Cold chimney | Pre-warm flue with newspaper | Only if problem persists daily |
| Poor air supply | Add vent or open window | If structure makes airflow impossible |
| Chimney design issues | Extend chimney or add cowl/liner | If draw still weak after adjustments |
FAQ: Poor Draw in Log Burners
1. Why does my stove smoke when I open the door?
Poor draw is usually the cause – try warming the flue, checking ventilation, or sweeping the chimney.
2. Will a chimney fan fix all draw issues?
No. A fan won’t fix problems like wet logs or a blocked chimney. It’s a last resort after all other fixes.
3. Can I install a chimney fan myself?
No – it must be fitted by a professional for safety and compliance.
4. Why does my stove burn better some days than others?
Weather can affect draw. Cold, damp, or still days reduce airflow, while windy days can cause downdrafts.
5. What’s the easiest first step if I have poor draw?
Always book a chimney sweep first – it’s the simplest and cheapest solution.
Final Thoughts
Poor draw is frustrating, but in most cases, the fix is simple – clean your chimney, use the right logs, warm your flue, and check your air supply. A chimney fan is only necessary when these solutions don’t work.
As a local log burner expert in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Dorset, I can help diagnose the issue and recommend the right fix for your home.
👉 Contact WD Wood Burner Installations today for chimney sweeping, wood burner installations, and expert advice across Dorset.
