14
CREOSOTE FORMATION AND NEED FOR REMOVAL
When wood is burnt slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours, which combine with expelled
moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapours condense in the relatively cool flue of a slow-
burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue system. When ignited, this
creosote makes an extremely hot fire. When burning wood, the flue system should be inspected at
least once every two months during the heating season to determine if a creosote build-up has
occurred.
PREVENTING CREOSOTE BUILD UP
•
Always burn dry wood. This allows clean burns and higher flue temperatures, therefore less
creosote deposit.
•
Leave the air control full open for about 10 minutes after reloading the stove to bring it back to
proper operating temperatures. The secondary combustion can only take place if the firebox is hot
enough.
•
Always check for creosote deposit once every two months and have your flue system cleaned at
least once a year.
ASH DISPOSAL
Ashes should be removed from the stove every few days or when ashes get to 50 to 75mm deep.
Always empty the stove when it is cold, such as in the morning.
Always dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Place this container on a non
combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all heat-sensitive materials, pending final
disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be
retained in the close container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
CAUTIONS:
•
A
SHES COULD CONTAIN HOT EMBERS EVEN AFTER TWO DAYS WITHOUT OPERATING THE STOVE
.
•
T
HE ASH PAN CAN BECOME VERY HOT
.
W
EAR GLOVES TO PREVENT INJURY
.
•
N
EVER BURN THE STOVE WITH THE ASH DUMP CAP REMOVED
.
T
HIS WOULD RESULT IN OVER FIRING THE
STOVE
.
D
AMAGE TO THE STOVE AND EVEN HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT
.
