WOOD BOILER INSTRUCTIONS Page 15 Copyright © 2011 Seton Wood Boilers all rights reserved
CHIMNEY DRAFT: The Seton Boiler is designed to burn wood without creating creosote; you can get a
dirty burn by not having enough draft. This is normally caused by a poor chimney or burning small pieces of
wood which releases more gas than the draft can produce oxygen for.
Do not expect the boiler to draw. Draft is a function of the chimney, not the boiler. Smoke spillage into the house or excessive
buildup of condensation or soot in the chimney are warnings that the chimney is NOT functioning properly. Correct the prob-
lem before using the boiler. Following are some possible causes for improper draft.
1. Do not push the connector stove pipe into the chimney too far; it will plug the chimney and stop the draft. DO NOT USE
A CHIMNEY CAP.
2. If the chimney is operating too cool, water will condense in the chimney and run back into the boiler. Soot formation will
be rapid and may block the chimney. Operate the boiler at a high enough fire level to keep the chimney warm, preventing this
condensation. Water temperature control should be set at 180°.
3. If the fire burns well but sometimes smokes or burns slowly, it may be caused by the chimney top being lower than an-
other part of the house or a nearby tree. The wind blowing over a house or tree, falls on top of the chimney like water over a
dam, beating down the smoke. The top of the chimney should be at least three (3) feet above the roof and be at least two (2) feet
higher than any point of the roof within ten (10) feet.
NOTE: A draft reading of 0.06 to 0.07 W.C. (Water Column) is required for proper burning of this boiler.
CREOSOTE - Formation and Removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled moisture to form creo-
sote. 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. If ignited, this creosote creates an extremely hot fire which may ignite surrounding materials
resulting in a building fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once a month during the heating season to determine if a
creosote buildup has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed. Failure to remove creosote may result in ignition and may cause a house/
building fire. Creosote may be removed using a chimney brush or other commonly available materials from your local hard-
ware retailer.
Chimney fires burn very hot. If the chimney connector should glow red, immediately call the fire department, then reduce
the fire by closing the inlet air control and pour a large quantity of coarse salt, baking soda, or cool ashes on top of the fire in
the firebox.
CAUTION: A chimney fire may cause ignition of wall studs or rafters which were
assumed to be a safe distance from the chimney.
If a chimney fire has occurred, have your chimney inspected by a qualified person before using again.
CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
NOTE: Any chimney that has been used before should be inspected by a qualified person be-
fore this boiler is connected to it
