Installation manual
G:\InDATA\manuals\OM-KE E V1.02 August 17, 2012
Page 24
KING KE 1107
CREOSOTE
CREOSOTE — FORMATION AND NEED FOR REMOVAL
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. e
creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney ue of a slow-burning re. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the ue
lining. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely hot re.
e chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least once every 2 months during the heating season to determine if a
creosote buildup has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated (3 mm ( 1/8”) or more) it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney re.
WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A CREOSOTE FIRE:
Turn the thermostat to lowest setting, check loading door to be sure it is tightly closed. Call Fire Department.
Creosote is a black, foul smelling liquid. e best way to prevent or minimize creosote build up is to follow proper ring methods. e
amount of creosote depends on several factors that include:
1) Moisture content of the fuel 2) Stack or ue temperature
3) Amount of dra 4) Eciency of the appliance
5) Turbulence of smoke 6) Age of combustor
At stack temperature below 120°C (250°F), the creosote will condense out of the gasses (smoke). Once a chimney connector becomes
heavily coated with creosote, the only safe way to remove it is mechanically with a proper chimney cleaner or brush. A combination of
wet fuel and poor operating procedure may necessitate weekly cleaning to remove creosote buildup.
Remember - the hotter the re the less creosote. Small intense res create less creosote than large, smoldering res. We recommend
that each day a small intense re be built, preferably in the morning. is daily practice should burn out the small deposits of creosote
before they build to a dangerous level. e combustion air inlet should be opened for at least 30 minutes by turning the thermostat up
in the morning and evening. NEVER “burn out” large deposits of more than one days accumulation.
.
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. Operate the stove on a higher temperature setting for the half hour aer reloading.
5. Establish a routine for the storage of fuel, care of the appliance, and ring techniques.
6. Keeping stack temperature up by using double wall pipe on ue runs and protect outside chimney installations in a chase.
Minimize elbows and keep ue runs as short as possible and ensure tight connections.
7. Checking frequently for creosote until experience shows how oen cleaning is required. Remember a clean chimney is a safe
chimney.
8. Having a clearly understood plan should a chimney re 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