Pacific Energy NEO 1.6 INSERT Installation And Operating Instructions Manual - Creosote
NE25.ASINS
5055.950AS 110515-24
5
Creosote
Formation and Need for Removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The
creosote vapours 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.
1. Highest smoke levels and densities occur when a large amount of wood is added to a bed of hot coals and the air inlet is closed.
The heated wood generates smoke, but without ample air, the smoke cannot burn. Smoke-free, clean burning requires small fuel
loads, two or three logs at a time or 1/4 to 1/2 of a fuel load and leaving the air inlet relatively wide open, especially during the first
10 to 30 minutes after each loading, when most of the smoke generating reactions are occurring. After 30 minutes or so, the air
inlet can be turned down substantially without excessive smoke generation. Wood coals create very little creosote-producing
smoke.
2. The cooler the surface over which wood smoke is passing, the more creosote will be condensed. Wet or green wood contributes
significantly to creosote formation as the excess moisture that is boiled off cools the fire, making it difficult for the tars and gasses
to ignite, thus creating dense smoke and poor combustion. This moisture-laden smoke cools the chimney, compounding the
problem by offering the smoke the ideal place to condense.
In summary, a certain amount of creosote is inevitable and must be lived with. Regular inspection and cleaning is the solution. The
use of dry, seasoned wood and ample combustion air will help to minimize the buildup.
Avoiding a Chimney Fire
Excessive creosote build-up can cause a chimney fire. During a fire the inside temperatures in a chimney can exceed 1100 degrees
C. This causes much higher than normal temperatures in the chimney and on its exterior surfaces thus ignition of nearby or touching
combustible material is more likely during a chimney fire.
Signs of a chimney fire may be one or more of the following:
- Flames and sparks shooting out of the top of the chimney
- A roaring sound
- Vibration of the chimney
1. Keep your chimney clear of creosote build-up by cleaning your chimney before each burn season, and as necessary (accumulations
of 3 mm or more) during the season.
2. Burn clean, well-seasoned wood only (seasoned at least one year). Avoid wet or green wood.
3. Do not use the heater as an incinerator or over-fire as it t may ignite chimney fires. These are hot fires, such as when burning
household trash, cardboard, Christmas tree limbs, or even ordinary fuel wood; (eg. with a full load on a hot bed of coals and with
the air inlet wide open)
In the event of a Chimney Fire
1. Prepare to evacuate to ensure everyone’s safety. Have a place outside where everyone is to meet.
2. Close down the damper on stove.
3. Call local fire department. Have a fire extinguisher handy. Contact your local fire authority for further information on how to
handle a chimney fire. It is most important that you have a clearly understood plan on how to handle a chimney fire.
4. After the chimney fire is out, the chimney must be cleaned and checked for stress and cracking before starting another fire. Also check
combustibles around chimney and the roof.This should be done by a certified inspector/chimney sweep.