Cooling down a wood stove that is too hot requires reducing the airflow and limiting the amount of wood being burned. Here are steps you can take to achieve this:
Close the Damper: The damper controls the airflow into the stove. If your wood stove has a manual damper, close it partially or completely to reduce the amount of oxygen entering the stove, which will lower the combustion rate and heat output.
Close the Air Vents: Many wood stoves have air vents or secondary air controls that regulate the airflow. Start by closing these vents partially or fully to restrict the oxygen supply and slow down the burning process.
Remove Unburned Wood: If you have placed too much wood in the stove, remove some of it to decrease the heat production. Using a fireplace tool or heat-resistant gloves, carefully take out unburned logs from the stove.
Use Smaller Pieces of Wood: Burning smaller pieces of wood or splitting the logs into smaller sizes can help reduce the intensity of the fire and control the heat output.
Spread Out the Wood: If the wood is tightly packed together, it will burn hotter and faster. Spread out the logs within the stove to create space between them, which will reduce the overall burning rate.
Add Ashes: If you have a layer of ash in the bottom of the stove, you can spread it around to help insulate the firebox and reduce the heat. However, avoid adding too much ash, as it can restrict airflow and lead to incomplete combustion.
Use a Heat Shield: If the wood stove is near a combustible wall or surface, consider using a heat shield to prevent excess heat from affecting the surroundings.
Always use caution when handling a hot wood stove. Wear protective gloves and use appropriate fireplace tools to adjust the settings safely. If you are unsure about how to control your wood stove's temperature, consult the manufacturer's guidelines or seek advice from a professional chimney sweep or fireplace expert.