Creosote in Wood Boilers

Larry Richardson, Plumbing Marketing Manager

As with any appliance be sure to read all instruction before beginning operation. Since so many of you have purchased Biasi wood boilers I thought it might be appropriate to review the issues concerning creosote, as taken from the installation manual. The manual tells us that creosote condenses from the flue gases more quickly when the temperature in the chimney is low. Some factors that affect creosote deposits are:
The amount of moisture in the flue gases. The temperature of the stack. The rate at which the wood is burned. The amount of draft in the stack. How completely the combustible elements in the flue gases have been burned in the combustion chamber. Most problems with creosote are due to insufficiently dry wood, poor chimney with low draft and cold walls, and /or a low rate of burning when little heat is required during the spring and fall months. Moisture in the flue gases may be controlled by: Using properly seasoned firewood. Mixing small pieces (preferably slab wood) with every full load. Never use only large wood (usually less dry) during mild weather when combustion is relatively slow. Temperature in the stack may be controlled by: Using as short a length of stovepipe with as few elbows as possible between the boiler and the chimney. The amount of draft in the stack may be controlled by: Insuring adequate chimney height and preventing air leaks in places such as around the ash pit door. Eliminating external obstructions in the chimney outlet. Insulating chimney from heat loss. Procedure in the event of a runaway fire or chimney fire:
If the Boiler-Fire is out of control (or creosote in chimney has caught fire) Do the following: Close flue gas damper Turn knob on draft regulator to 40° C Turn-up thermostat in house DO NOT dose the fire with water as injury from steam could occur.