Valley Comfort Systems Inc
1290 Commercial Way, Penticton, B.C. V2A 3H5 250-493-7444
Version 1.04 8 Date printed: February 15, 2008
CREOSOTE
Creosote can be a problem In any wood-burning appliance. Creosote is a black, ill
smelling liquid that results from distillation of wood gases during the combustion proc-
ess. It solidifies depending on temperature and in either state is highly combustible.
The best way to prevent or minimize creosote build up is to follow proper firing meth-
ods. 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 120oC (250oF), the creosote will condense out of the gas-
ses (smoke). Once a flue pipe becomes heavily coated with creosote, the only safe
way to remove it is mechanically with a proper chimney cleaner or brush. A combina-
tion of wet fuel and poor operating procedure may necessitate weekly cleaning to re-
move creosote buildup.
Remember - the hotter the fire the less creosote, Therefore small intense fires create
less creosote than large, smoldering fires. We recommend that each day a small in-
tense 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 draft should be
opened for at least 20 minutes by turning the thermostat up in the morning and eve-
ning. NEVER "burn out" large deposits of more than one days accumulation.
Always assure safety by having a clearly understood plan of how to handle a chimney
fire, should one occur.
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. 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.
5. Checking daily for creosote until experience shows how often cleaning is re-
quired. Remember a clean chimney is a safe chimney.
6. 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
