Use a professional chimney sweep.

Wood burning systems must operate under a variety of conditions during each heating season, and these different conditions create the need for a number of maintenance tasks. Chimney cleaning is usually needed more often in the spring and fall. On the other hand, wood burning appliances operate closer to their maximum heat output during the coldest winter months, creating stress on internal components. Many of the modern wood heaters have internal components that can wear out because of their exposure to high temperatures. These components can be replaced.

One of the best ways to ensure that your wood heating system gets the maintenance it needs to be safe and effective is to hire a fully-trained professional chimney sweep. A professional sweep will clean the system top to bottom and report any problems to you. The sweep might suggest that it is time to replace the flue pipes, catalytic combustor, or door gasket and will probably be able to do the work for you when the time comes. Your wood heating retailer may also offer sweeping and maintenance services.

Importance of a good operating chimney.

Modern, efficient appliances need modern, efficient chimneys. The selection, location and installation of the chimney is at least as important as the type of wood-burning appliance you choose. A properly designed and installed chimney will give many years of reliable service and will allow your appliance to perform properly. An effective chimney is an important part of any successful wood burning system. Many of the reported problems with the performance of wood burning appliances can be traced to chimney deficiencies of various kinds. Knowing how chimneys work is not only necessary in selecting the correct chimney and designing the installation, but is useful in the day-to-day operation of the appliance.

Chimneys operate on the principle that hot air rises because it is less dense than cold air. When a chimney is filled with hot gas, that gas tends to rise because it is less dense than air outside the house. The rising hot gas creates a pressure difference called draft which draws combustion air into the appliance and expels the exhaust gas outside. The hotter the gas compared to the air outside, the stronger the draft.

To learn more contact your local certified chimney installer and remember to check local codes.

Check for poor draft.

Several things can cause poor draft:

1. Top of the chimney is too low, not extending above the top of the pitched roof or surrounding trees.

2. Dirt, creosote or soot lodged in corners or along the flue walls.

3. Loose mortar or cracks in the brick-work cause draft leaks.

4. Spaces between liner tiles.

5. Dislodged bricks or tile wedged in the chimney.

6. Connecting stove pipe projects too far into the chimney.

7. Chimney clean-out door too loose.

8. Leaks around chimney connector pipe.

Check Home Insulation and Weather Stripping.

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Check list for wood burning appliances.

Check all gasket material, the bypass damper, and on cast iron stoves, the seams, once a year; replace frayed or worn material. Re-cement the seams as necessary.

Check the catalyst gaskets and the gasket that seals the bypass mechanism.

Hint: One way to test the tightness of a gasket seal is to close the firebox door on a dollar bill. Pull gently on the dollar bill. If it pulls easily out of place, the seal isn't tight and the gasket should be replaced. Repeat this test in several locations to check the seal all around the door. Gaskets in good condition will provide an airtight seal.
A poor seal around a catalyst bypass allows smoke to pass through unburned, thereby increasing pollution.

Check the wood-loading door and the ash drawer for tightness. These two areas are subject to warp or worn gaskets. Poor fit may result in over-heating or may allow smoke to escape into the room.
Make sure the thermostat (if your stove is equipped with one) is working properly; replace as necessary. Refer to parts list in your owner's manual. A broken thermostat can prevent air inlets and dampers from opening and closing properly.

Check the flue twice a month and have it cleaned at least once a year. After cleaning, check the seals and retighten joints in the flue and to the stove. Buildup of creosote on the flue walls can re-ignite and cause fires. Tight seals and joints prevent leaks. Replace firebrick and other insulating materials when you see crumbling or if pieces are missing.
These insulating materials are critical to your stove's heating efficiency and pollution-reduction properties. Don't remove or tamper with the preset operating or temperature controls because it's against the law, it will void your stove's warranty, and it will create a safety hazard. The stove will be less efficient and more expensive to operate.

Thermostats control either primary or secondary air, or both. Tampering may ruin the precisely designed secondary combustion capabilities, resulting in lower efficiencies, higher operating costs, and greater pollution.

Don't abuse your catalyst. Don't drop or scrape the catalyst, remove the metal band (if your model has one), or use high-pressure air to clean. Don't clean the catalyst with water when it is hot and in the stove. Catalysts can be damaged, thereby reducing their effectiveness.

Combustor Cleaning Methods

Cleaning Method #1

A vacuum cleaner may be used, but never use high pressured air to blow the cells free of any build-up. This can damage the cell walls. Any cell blockage can be removed with the use of a pipe cleaner or a cotton swab as well.


Method #2Should the combustor’s cells become masked with fly-ash,...use a paintbrush or soft-bristled brush and dust the combustor gently.

Never use anything abrasive to clean the combustor.




Method #3
Normally the catalytic combustor requires little or no maintenance because it generates such high temperatures, it is basically self-cleaning. However, should the combustor become masked with soot or creosote,
it is possible to burn the accumulation off by opening the bypass and building a hot fire. Once the hot fire is created, close the bypass halfway and burn for 30 to 60 minutes with the bypass left in this position.
Never use cleaning solvents to clean it.It would be wise to check and clean the combustor, if necessary, before each burning season and inspect the flue system for any signs of creosote build up.
A clean flue helps prevent chimney flue fires.

Check the combustor in your stove now.

If the combustor is operating properly, leave it alone.
It should have a light gray powdery appearance (right combustor) and the cells should be free from any buildup of fly ash or creosote.



The cells should be in good condition and no large pieces of the combustor missing.
A crack in the unit does not hurt its efficiency as long as the unit is in place.

If the combustor need replaced, don't wait until it gets cold outside.

Simple check list for trouble free burning.

-Check your fuel supply for moisture content. Fuel should be seasoned dried wood. Rain and snow are considered moisture and will produce damp smoke and steam. Both are harmful to your combustor, especially when refueling and the combustor is burning hot.

-Check the flue and chimney, making sure the stove’s exhaust system is not blocked nor has any obstructions.

-Make sure the stove is getting the proper draft.

-Check all movable stove parts to be sure they are working freely.

-Make sure the combustor has not fallen out of it’s holding device.

-Check the combustor for plugged cells. Follow cleaning instructions.

-Check if the combustor has been in the stove for more than six burning seasons, it might be time to replace it.

-Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper firing. Different manufacturers and stove models require different procedures.as a rule of thumb, the catalytic combustor needs a minimum of 500 F. temperature focused on it for a period of 20 to 30 minutes to achieve light-off.
This is done with the bypass in the open position. Nothing but heat will be going to the combustor at this stage. The catalyst will receive the heat it needs in this period of time.

Get ready for those cold days now.

All this month I plan to post very important articles on what we should be doing now to prepare for those cold winter days ahead. Let's not wait until the last minute. Trust me on this.
I have talked with numerous stove owners over the years, who waited until the last minute only to discover their system was not working properly or they needed to clean or replace the combustor. Perhaps some of these articles will be helpful and provide you with a trouble free burning season.

Today let's start today with the flue system and draft.

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