OM-AF30 E V1.02
October 18, 2013
Page 23
ASHFORD 30
CREOSOTE
CREOSOTE — FORMATION AND NEED FOR REMOVAL
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture
to form creosote. Th
e creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney fl ue of a slow-burning fi re. As a
result, creosote residue accumulates on the fl ue lining. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely hot fi re
Th
e chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once every 2 months during the heating season
to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated (3 mm ( 1/8”) or more) it should be
removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fi re.
WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A CREOSOTE FIRE:
Turn the thermostat to lowest setting, check loading door to be sure it is tightly closed. Call Fire Department.
Creosote is a black, foul smelling liquid. Th
e best way to prevent or minimize creosote build up is to follow
proper fi ring methods. Th
e amount of creosote depends on several factors that include:
1) Moisture content of the fuel
2) Stack or fl ue temperature
3) Amount of draft
4)
Effi
ciency of the appliance
5) Turbulence of smoke
6) Age of combustor
At stack temperature below 120°C (250°F), the creosote will condense out of the gasses (smoke). Once a
chimney connector becomes heavily coated with creosote, the only safe way to remove it is mechanically with
a proper chimney cleaner or brush. A combination of wet fuel and poor operating procedure may necessitate
weekly cleaning to remove creosote buildup.
Remember - the hotter the fi re the less creosote. Small intense fi res create less creosote than large, smoldering
fi res. We recommend that each day a small intense fi re be built, preferably in the morning. Th
is daily practice
should burn out the small deposits of creosote before they build to a dangerous level. Th
e combustion air inlet
should be opened for at least 30 minutes by turning the thermostat up in the morning and evening. NEVER
“burn out” large deposits of more than one days accumulation.
In conclusion, creosote can best be controlled as follows:
1. Burning dry split wood.
2. Mixing small and large pieces of wood.
3. During warm weather using smaller split wood.
4. Operate the stove on a higher temperature setting for the half hour aft er reloading.
5. Establish a routine for the storage of fuel, care of the appliance, and fi ring techniques.
6. Keeping stack temperature up by using double wall pipe on fl ue runs and protect outside chimney
installations in a chase. Minimize elbows and keep fl ue runs as short as possible and ensure tight
connections.
7. Checking frequently for creosote until experience shows how oft en cleaning is required. Remember a
clean chimney is a safe chimney.
8. Having a clearly understood plan should a chimney fi re occur.
WARNING:
FAILURE TO INSPECT AND CLEAN YOUR CHIMNEY SYSTEM REGULARLY CAN RESULT
IN A SERIOUS FIRE WHICH MAY DAMAGE YOUR CHIMNEY OR CAUSE A HOUSE FIRE
