u/rrrock6

We had an Astra 32 high-efficiency wood-burning fireplace installed in fall and we've been using it since January. It starts great, burns hot and clean and for a long time on one load, and it heats the heck out of my house, but I am very limited as to when I can open the door without a small steady stream of smoke coming out. The window tends to get sooty very quickly too. Maybe that's just normal...? I find that I can only add wood when the fire is burning perfectly clean, and even then, air appears to be leaving the stove (I can see tiny airborne specks of ash) - it's just not smoky air.

The installer came out and saw nothing wrong, though he admitted he's not an expert on these units. He wondered if the little round chimney baffle in the top which opens when the door is opened isn't dropping to a totally vertical position...? I certainly don't know.

I visited the dealer the other day when I was in the city (72 miles from where I live) and he said he'd pass on my issues to one of their installers who would call me, but I'm not convinced that they are experienced with this particular stove - we chose it online and my contractor just put me in touch with a dealer who could get one. I don't know if they install these regularly. I'm desperate for an opinion from someone who knows this brand of fireplace specifically, or has had a similar fireplace experience.

• I'm putting the levers in the correct position when opening.
• I crack a nearby window and crack the fireplace door for a minute before opening further.
• The chimney is clean and clear, and over 15 feet long (as specified in the manual).
• My wood is very dry - 15% moisture or less.

https://reddit.com/link/1saq721/video/maqf8kdyotsg1/player

Soot on the window after two days of burning (ignore that darker spot - wood fell against the glass)