Version 1.03
April 2011
Chinook CBT
Page 27
G:\pubdata\Manuals\English Manuals\OM-CK24
OM CK24C/CK24F
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. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As
a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely hot
fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once every two months during the heating
season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
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. The best way to prevent or minimize creosote build up is to follow
proper firing methods. The amount of creosote depends on several factors that include:
1) Moisture content of the fuel
2) Stack or flue temperature
3) Amount of draft
4) Efficiency of the appliance
5) Turbulence of smoke
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 fire the less creosote. Small intense fires create less creosote than large,
smoldering fires. We recommend that each day a small intense fire be built, preferably in the morning. This
daily practice should burn out the small deposits of creosote before they build to a dangerous level. The
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 first hour after reloading.
5. Establish a routine for the storage of fuel, care of the appliance, and firing techniques.
5. Keeping stack temperature up by using double wall pipe on flue runs and
protect outside chimney installations in a chase. Minimize elbows and keep
flue runs as short as possible and ensure tight connections.
6. Checking frequently for creosote until experience shows how often cleaning is required.
Remember a clean chimney is a safe chimney.
7. Having a clearly understood plan should a chimney fire 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
CREOSOTE
